West Ham United have renewed their interest in Nigeria international Raphaël Onyedika as they prepare for life without midfielder Edson Álvarez, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The Mexican is expected to leave the London club for Turkish side Fenerbahçe on a season-long loan that includes an option to buy. His departure would create a gap in Graham Potter’s midfield plans, and West Ham are moving swiftly to identify a replacement before the close of the transfer window.
Belgian transfer specialist Sacha Tavolieri reports that the Hammers have resumed “monitoring the situation” of Onyedika, who currently plays for Belgian side Club Brugge.
Advertisement
To order your copy, send a WhatsApp message to +1 317 665 2180
“West Ham reignites interest in Raphaël Onyedika!” Tavolieri said.
“Following the sale of Edson Álvarez to Fenerbahçe, the Hammers have resumed monitoring the situation.
“Onyedika is keen on joining the Premier League this summer.”
The 24-year-old has long been on West Ham’s radar, with interest first surfacing earlier this summer, although the club chose to prioritise reinforcements in other positions at the time.
Onyedika, who joined Club Brugge from Danish club FC Midtjylland in 2022, has established himself as a consistent performer in the Belgian Pro League and has also featured in European competitions. His combative style and ball-winning ability are seen as qualities that would suit the Premier League.
Brugge were reluctant to sanction his departure last summer, but sources now suggest they are more open to a sale if the right offer arrives.
The Belgian side are believed to be holding out for a fee of around €20m (£16.9m), a valuation West Ham are understood to be considering.
Club Brugge have already secured a potential replacement in Ludovit Reis (Hamburger SV), and another newcomer, Aleksandar Stankovic (Inter Milan), also possesses the profile and qualities to replace Onyedika should he leave.
However, with the end of the summer transfer window in sight, there are still no concrete options for the Nigerian.
The 24-year-old has featured in seven games for Brugge this season and has also been crucial to the UEFA Champions League qualifying run.
