West Ham one step closer to signing £17m midfielder who could fill Declan Rice void
West Ham’s Midfield Rebuild Gains Momentum with Raphael Onyedika Targeted
West Ham United’s midfield revamp is just getting started, but the club already appears to be on the verge of a signing that could inject fresh excitement into their summer plans.
Carlos Soler, on loan from Paris Saint-Germain, bid farewell following West Ham’s 3-1 win over Ipswich Town on the final day of the season. Manager Graham Potter is reportedly open to offloading Tomas Soucek, and the club may also entertain offers for Lucas Paqueta, Guido Rodriguez, and Edson Alvarez.
A source close to the club’s leadership told Hammers News that the rebuild will focus on young, high-potential players.
“It’s too early to say how many signings we’ll make, but ideally we’re looking at a minimum of three to five—maybe more,” the source said. “This is all part of a plan to reshape the squad with exciting young talent.”
One such target is Raphael Onyedika of Club Brugge, who turns 24 next month. According to The Athletic, the Nigerian midfielder is high on West Ham’s summer wishlist.
A 2023 Africa Cup of Nations finalist, Onyedika models his game after Paul Pogba. He excels as a deep-lying midfielder, often collecting the ball in front of the defence and distributing it forward—much like his idol. But what may most attract West Ham is his intensity and off-ball work rate, which could provide the kind of dynamism the club has missed since Declan Rice’s departure.
With Alvarez and Rodriguez struggling to match the Premier League’s pace, Onyedika’s athleticism and energy could prove vital.
Belgian outlet Het Nieuwsblad reported on Tuesday that Onyedika is “almost certain to leave” Club Brugge, following the club’s agreement to sign Hamburg midfielder Ludovit Reis as his replacement. Voetbal24 notes that Brugge are seeking around £17 million for the player, who still has two years left on his contract.
Onyedika, like West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus, made his mark in Denmark before stepping up to bigger leagues. While Kudus starred for Nordsjaelland before joining Ajax, Onyedika spent three years with Midtjylland.
“I enjoy winning duels and I’m comfortable on the ball,” Onyedika previously told Voetbal Nieuws. “I look up to Paul Pogba. People say we’re similar, but I want to be the best version of myself.”
He notably scored a Champions League goal against Manchester City, showcasing his attacking prowess with a powerful strike from outside the box.
According to Nigerian outlet Punch, Onyedika is a versatile midfielder who can operate centrally, on the right, or in deeper roles. He’s known for his physical strength, aerial ability, technical skill, and ball retention.
West Ham are also keeping tabs on another promising youngster—Mario Stroeykens from Anderlecht—as they continue to reshape their midfield for the future.
