3 months ago
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Super Eagles midfielder, Frank Onyeka
Super Eagles midfielder Frank Onyeka could be one of the many players to switch clubs in the twilight of the summer transfer window, with the Brentford player being strongly linked with Valencia and CSKA Moscow, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The combative midfielder has struggled to cement his position at Brentford, having been used sparingly since joining the English Premier League side.
Last season, the 26-year-old made 26 appearances for the Bees, starting just 11 of those games while coming on as a substitute in 15 games, playing a total of 1,153 minutes from a possible 2,340 minutes.
Onyeka impressed under the guidance of Jose Peseiro during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, playing a key role as the Eagles finished second in the competition.
Despite his impressive performance at the AFCON, where his fantastic display caught the attention of several top European clubs, the midfielder was reduced to a bench role upon his return to Gtech Community Stadium.
The story remains the same for Onyeka, whose only appearance for Brentford was playing as a second-half substitute in their first league games, grossing 23 minutes against Crystal Palace and Liverpool.
This has, however, forced the Nigerian to seek a move away from the club, with English outlet, BBC, reporting that Spanish outfit Valencia and other clubs are seeking a loan move for the midfielder.
“Frank Onyeka wants to leave Brentford but will need to be permitted to exit on loan if he is to pursue interest from Spanish clubs, including Valencia, before the transfer deadline,” the BBC wrote.
“As it stands, the 26-year-old Nigeria midfielder, who is seeking more game time away from west London, would only be allowed to leave on a permanent transfer.
“Valencia, Valladolid, and Las Palmas have all registered serious interest in Onyeka, who made late substitute appearances against Crystal Palace and Liverpool this season. But the three Spanish clubs can only afford to sign him on a season-long loan deal and would also need help to pay a portion of his wages.
“Italian club Lecce and Russian giants CSKA Moscow have also made loan bids in the past few months.”
Nigeria have listed Onyeka among the 23 players for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda.
The 26-year-old will be looking to continue his impressive stats with the Super Eagles when they face both countries in September.
