Nigerian midfielder Raphael Onyedika opted to join Belgian side Club Brugge because his first option AC Milan dillydallied in negotiations, and the youngster also considered opportunity for regular playing time, his mentor has exclusively informed PlayPlay.ng.
Club Brugge on Sunday unveiled the 21year old midfielder following a €10m transfer move away from FC Midtjylland of Denmark.
Raphael Onyedika
The Belgian Jupiler champions and UEFA Champions League campaigners are now working on Onyedika’s Work Permit. And PlayPlay.ng understands that Midtjylland sold Onyedika to Club Brugge following the player’s Intermediary’s last-minute decision.
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AC Milan had earlier offered Midtjylland €4m for the signature of the Nigerian box-to-box midfielder which the Danish Club turned down and the Italian giant virtually went to sleep.
“After all i’s and t’s appeared dotted and crossed, Milan came right back in pursuit of Onyedika,” said Onyedika’s mentor, Ikenna Osueke, who discovered the player and nurtured him at Ozala Football Academy, Onitsha, before transferring him to FC Ebedei from where he got the breakthrough to Europe.
“And because Onyedika’s European Intermediary was afraid that there was no time left to go through the transfer process if the Milan improved offer above €10m was to be considered, the Club Brugge offer was accepted and signed.”
Osueke added: “Besides, there was also the fear that Onyedika may not get regular playing time at AC Milan.
“Don’t forget too that Club Brugge is also playing in the 2022/2023 UEFA Champions League which makes it easier for Nigerians across the globe to watch Onyedika regularly in the campaign.”
Onyedika who penned a five-year contract Brugge will wear jersey No.15.
The post Exclusive: Reasons Onyedika Snubbed AC Milan To Join Club Brugge –Mentor appeared first on Playplay.com.ng
