West Ham United Want To Sign Club Brugge Midfielder For £20 Million: Will He Be A Good Signing For The Hammers? | OneFootball

After a year that ended in frustration for West Ham United fans, the English club’s moves are starting to generate noise in the summer market. The 2024/25 campaign left open wounds after an inconsistent performance that culminated in the sacking of Julen Lopetegui. His time at the London Stadium ended amid criticism, poor results and a squad that never quite clicked with his idea of the game.

In the midst of that chaos, the management turned to Graham Potter. The former Brighton boss took the helm in difficult conditions, although he showed signs of order in his first few weeks. Now, with a summer ahead, the rebuilding begins.

West Ham United Want To Sign Raphael Onyedika For £20 Million

According to journalist Sebastian Vidal on GiveMeSport, the London club are very close to closing in on the signing of Raphael Onyedika. The Nigerian international, currently at Club Brugge, has been a consistent performer since his arrival in Belgian football in 2022. Negotiations are progressing well and personal terms have already been agreed. There is talk of a figure in the region of £20 million. The 24-year-old midfielder has made more than 90 league appearances for Brugge, excelling in both domestic and continental competitions. His ability to operate in multiple positions on the pitch has been key to the English club’s interest.

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – MARCH 12: Raphael Onyedika of Club Brugge KV warms up prior to the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16 Second Leg match between Aston Villa FC and Club Brugge KV at Villa Park on March 12, 2025 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

Will He Be A Good Signing For The Hammers?

From a broader perspective, signing Onyedika seems a calculated gamble. The Nigerian player has a remarkable physical presence, a reading of the game that stands out and the ability to adapt to different tactical systems. He can play as a single defensive pivot, in the double pivot or even drop back a few metres as a centre-back. This flexibility is useful for a coach like Potter, who prioritises versatility and mobility.

However, his performance is not without areas for improvement. The Nigerian’s movements under pressure is not always accurate and his decision making in the opposition half tends to be rash. From another perspective, some fans might question whether such an investment is justified in a midfielder with no previous Premier League experience.

Still, with a dressing room in need of freshness, energy and a solid foundation from midfield, Onyedika could offer an interesting solution. His signing does not guarantee immediate success, but it does add competition and alternatives. In a market where prices are inflating rapidly, a deal in that price range for a player with room for improvement sounds reasonable. It will now depend on his adaptation to the English rhythm and the support he receives within a project that is still searching for an identity.