Questions are now being asked whether Super Eagles midfielder Raphael Onyedika is ill as announced by his Belgian club or that he is actually suffering from transfer fever.
Onyedika was conspicoiusly missing during missing when Club Brugge staged their championship presentation with the team saying the player is unwell.
Voetbalnieuws reported that it was suggested in recent weeks that the 25-year-old Nigerian’s mind is already elsewhere, his absence nevertheless raises questions.
In the last two matches, Onyedika—who, partly due to physical issues, suddenly had to lose is place in the starting XI in the play-offs to Hugo Vetlesen after an otherwise fine season—remained stuck to the bench.
The fact that he wasn’t even allowed to come on as a substitute in the formality final match against AA Gent raises eyebrows in particular.
Now that he is entering the final year of his contract, it is virtually certain that the defensive midfielder will soon be moving on.
After nine goals and six assists in 183 appearances, Onyedika deserved a fitting farewell in that case. Instead, he threatens to leave somewhat through the back door.
The Bruges fans, who did chant his name loudly just to be safe, were therefore certainly not given a final chance to potentially wave him goodbye.
If he refused to sign a new contract, Club, which in the ideal scenario would simply keep the 24-time international on board, are reportedly aiming for around 20 million euros for his transfer.
