Raphael Onyedika’s proposed switch to Turkish champions Galatasaray has stalled after Club Brugge set a steep asking price, sources say.
The 24-year-old Nigerian midfielder who has drawn interest from Istanbul following sustained performances for Club Brugge was again linked with a move amid the Africa Cup.
Galatasaray are understood to have monitored the player closely, with coach Buruk reported to be a keen admirer.
However, talks appear to have bogged down over valuation and timing.
Fotomac notes that “since the Belgian side is competing in the Champions League, it is considered unlikely that the transfer can progress before early February.”
Belgian champions Club Brugge are said to be demanding around €30 million for Onyedika, while Galatasaray’s recruitment budget for a midfield reinforcement is reported closer to €20–25 million, a gap that has overhung negotiations.
“Club Brugge is asking for a fee of around €30m but sources have indicated that Galatasaray has allocated a budget of €20–25 million,” the outlet reported.
Turkish reports add that Galatasaray have earmarked Atalanta’s Ederson as their primary target and view Onyedika as a secondary option should the Brazilian prove unattainable. Even so, bridging the difference with Brugge will be difficult given the Belgian club’s Champions League commitments and firm stance on transfers.
Onyedika joined Club Brugge in the summer of 2022 from FC Midtjylland for a fee reported to be just under €10m and has since become an integral figure in Brugge’s engine room.
After a temporary dip in form under Ronny Deila, he fought his way back into the first team and has delivered noteworthy displays, including in Europe, that have kept him on the radar of several clubs.
Interest has also been registered from clubs in Germany, including Eintracht Frankfurt, but no move has been finalised. With Brugge’s valuation proving a sticking point, any transfer to Galatasaray now looks unlikely to materialise in the current window unless both clubs can narrow the gap.
