Soccer
AC Milan and Atalanta are set to go head-to-head in the race to sign Super Eagles star Raphael Onyedika from Club Brugge, with the Serie A giants closely monitoring the 24-year-old midfielder ahead of a potential summer move, Soccernet.ng reports.
Onyedika, who played a key role in helping Club Brugge clinch the Belgian First Division A title last year, further enhanced his growing reputation during the just-concluded season.
He featured prominently in the UEFA Champions League, even notching his first-ever goal in the competition — a memorable strike against Manchester City.
The Nigerian’s stock has soared in recent months, with his current market value estimated at €20 million.
With ambitions to test himself in one of Europe’s top five leagues, Onyedika appears poised to take the next step in his career — and Serie A could be the perfect stage.
Serie A giants AC Milan and Atalanta duel over Super Eagles star who snubbed Galatasaray
According to multiple reports from Turkey and Italy, including Fotospor, AC Milan have already made initial moves to sign the versatile midfielder.
Their pursuit is believed to have been encouraged by Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen, who previously suggested Onyedika to Galatasaray during the Turkish side’s search for midfield reinforcements.
However, Galatasaray’s efforts to land the Super Eagles star were ultimately unsuccessful, with Club Brugge unwilling to part with him without a convincing offer. The Turkish champions have since extended Lucas Torreira’s contract, all but ending their interest in bringing in another defensive midfielder this summer.
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With Galatasaray now out of the picture, Atalanta have entered the frame as serious contenders. The Bergamo club are believed to be long-time admirers of Onyedika, who fits their profile of a young, dynamic, and ball-winning midfielder.
Born in 2001, Onyedika has emerged as one of the most exciting Nigerian prospects in Europe. With two of Serie A’s most tactically astute sides vying for his signature, the coming weeks could prove pivotal in shaping the next chapter of his flourishing career.
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele turns into a ball of passion when writing about Nigerian football and its talents, whether rising stars or established legends, locally and abroad.
From the deepest corners of the Middle East, to the green fields of the Americas, to the celebrated grounds in Europe, and the rich soils of Africa, Imhons is more than glad, usually with a glass of a tasty drink nearby, to capture the essence of the game, by connecting the dots between culture, identity, and football.
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