Aston Villa have reportedly made a formal enquiry for Club Brugge and Nigeria midfielder Raphael Onyedika, as manager Unai Emery moves to address a midfield crisis following a serious injury to Boubacar Kamara.
Midfield search intensifies after Kamara setback
The Premier League club's need for reinforcements became urgent after Boubacar Kamara suffered a knee injury in the early stages of Villa's FA Cup victory at Tottenham Hotspur last week. The French international was forced to hobble off the pitch in the ninth minute at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Villa are currently awaiting the results of scans to determine the full extent of the damage, but the situation has prompted the club's hierarchy to act swiftly in the January transfer window. According to respected Belgian transfer specialist Sacha Tavolieri, Villa have now inquired about the availability of 24-year-old defensive midfielder Onyedika.
Onyedika: A known quantity for Emery
Unai Emery is already well-acquainted with Onyedika's abilities. The Nigerian international faced Villa twice during the group stages of the Champions League last season while playing for Club Brugge. His performances in those European fixtures clearly left an impression on the Villa boss.
Onyedika has continued to enhance his reputation with consistent displays in Belgium and on the international stage. At the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, he was a key figure for Nigeria, featuring in five matches and scoring two crucial goals, showcasing an ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch.
His skill set, which combines robust defensive work, reliable passing, and a surprising goal threat from midfield, has made him a target for several clubs across Europe.
Competition from Galatasaray
Aston Villa are not alone in their interest, however. Tavolieri has indicated that Turkish giants Galatasaray are also keen on Onyedika and, as things stand, may be the frontrunners for his signature. The transfer expert stated on social media platform X: "Aston Villa have inquired about Raphael Onyedika's situation due to Boubacar Kamara's serious injury. To date, Galatasaray remains the most likely destination."
This sets up a potential transfer battle, with Villa needing to convince both the player and the Belgian club that a move to the Premier League is the right step. The coming days will be critical as Emery looks to bolster his squad for the second half of the campaign, aiming to maintain Villa's push for European qualification.
