West Ham United Want To Sign 24-Year-Old Midfielder: Should The Hammers Meet His €30 Million Valuation? | OneFootball

Raphael Onyedika has not gone unnoticed in England. His name has been on the lips of several Premier League clubs for weeks, and one in particular seems determined to go all out for him: West Ham United. After an inconsistent campaign plagued by doubts in midfield, the London club are looking for real solutions, not promises.

Graham Potter, now in charge, has made it clear that he needs a different profile to regain tactical balance. In this situation, the Nigerian appears as an ideal candidate: young, with European experience and with a potential that seduces as much as his deployment on the field.

Should West Ham United prioritize signing Raphael Onyedika to bolster their midfield, given their concrete interest and his versatility?

According to Sacha Tavolieri, West Ham have already made their move. They know they are not alone. Everton are also close behind, but the Hammers seem to be one step ahead. Contacts with Club Brugge have already started, and the figure they are demanding from Belgium is around €30 million.

Although it is not a simple operation, the Londoners have the resources to afford it. Potter is unhappy with his current pivotal options and sees the 24-year-old as a key player to rebuild a midfield that has lost energy and clarity. The possible departure of Gueye at Everton could further complicate the race if the Toffees decide to up their ante, but at the moment, all indications are that it is West Ham who are leading the race.

Opinion:

Signing Onyedika should be high on West Ham’s list of priorities. His profile fits what the team needs: someone who can contain, distribute and appear in more advanced areas if the situation requires it.

In addition, his experience in the Champions League, where he played against some of the best players on the continent, has given him a tactical maturity that not everyone at his age possesses. The midfielder made 52 appearances last season, which speaks to his reliability and physical stamina, virtues that are rare and highly valued in the Premier League.

Compared to other young midfielders, Onyedika offers an interesting balance. He is not a classic creator, but he has a good reading of the game, knows how to win balls back without needing to go to the limit and is accurate with the short pass.

The player’s biggest weakness is in driving under pressure; sometimes, when he can’t find passing lanes, he is slow to release the ball. However, that is trained. What is not taught is the instinctive positioning that he has. Going forward, West Ham cannot afford to miss this opportunity. If they give in to Club Brugge’s demands or try to undercut the price without firm alternatives, Everton could go ahead at the last minute.

The key is to act decisively. The price is high, but commensurate with the market and the player’s potential. Onyedika has what it takes to become the anchor of a team that needs to rebuild its spine. His arrival would not only bring solidity, but also a clear message: West Ham want to leave behind the irregularity.

For that, it is necessary to bet on players who contribute more than names, who deliver immediate performance. Raphael Onyedika, with what he has shown so far, seems to be ready for that challenge.