West Ham ‘to take extra steps to seal transfer’ as talks held for Raphael Onyedika
West Ham are reportedly keen on signing Club Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika in the summer transfer window.
Dr Rajpal Brar, an injury expert, has assessed the Nigeria international’s setbacks last season ahead of a potential move to the Premier League.
Graham Potter’s side are keen on Onyedika as they look to bolster their ranks in midfield.
Onyedika’s multiple injuries aren’t red flags, but need to be assessed
The 24-year-old suffered adductor and thigh injuries last season, but missed a combined three games because of it.
According to Dr Brar, this is something the Hammers would want to check before making a move for the central midfielder.
West Ham have already spoken to Onyedika’s agent as they want to bring him to London in the coming weeks.
| Competition | Matches | Goals | Assists | Yellow Cards | Reds | Minutes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jupiler Pro League | 25 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1,688 |
| UEFA Champions League | 11 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 940 |
| Jupiler Pro League Champions’ Play-Offs | 9 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 763 |
| Croky Cup | 6 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 386 |
| Pro League Supercup | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 34 |
| Total 24/25 | 52 | 2 | 2 | 9 | 0 | 3,811 |
Speaking exclusively with West Ham Zone, Dr Brar, a specialist in Physical Therapy and a Sports Scientist, said: “The club may take a closer look at his adductor and thigh problems, particularly if they’re related.
“Moving to a league as physical as the Premier League is already a challenge in itself, so they’ll need to ensure that there are no fitness issues.
“He did play a decent number of games last season, so there are no red flags that appear.“
West Ham must prioritise signing Onyedika this summer
Onyedika would be an excellent signing for West Ham due to his versatility and physicality.
The 24-year-old Nigerian midfielder’s ability to play as a defensive midfielder and central midfielder offers tactical flexibility, addressing the Hammers’ need for a dynamic midfield presence to replace the potentially departing Tomas Soucek.
His standout performances in the UEFA Champions League, including scoring against Manchester City, highlight his ability to compete at the highest level.
Onyedika’s £17-20million valuation is cost-effective for a player with his skill set, and his eagerness to join the Premier League aligns with West Ham’s ambitions under Graham Potter.
With likely competition from other clubs, the Hammers must prioritise him to secure a player who can bring urgency, technical ability, and long-term value, strengthening their midfield for a challenging Premier League campaign.
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