AC Milan is targeting Nigerian midfielder Raphael Onyedika as a potential replacement for Tijjani Reijnders, who is reportedly close to sealing a move to Manchester City this summer.
Onyedika impressed with Club Brugge and fits Milan’s long-term strategy, with talks progressing quickly as the Italian club eyes midfield reinforcements ahead of a crucial 2025/26 campaign.
AC Milan is lining up a move for Raphael Onyedika, the Nigerian defensive midfielder currently at Club Brugge, as a potential replacement for Tijjani Reijnders, who is reportedly on the brink of joining Manchester City. With the summer transfer window now in motion, Milan is wasting no time in finding reinforcements to maintain their midfield strength heading into a pivotal 2025/26 campaign.
The Dutch international is said to be close to finalizing a move to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, who are eager to complete the signing before the start of the FIFA Club World Cup, which kicks off later this month.
Reijnders has impressed during his debut season at Milan following his switch from AZ Alkmaar, quickly establishing himself as a composed, forward-thinking midfielder. But with City seeking to refresh their midfield following Ilkay Gündogan’s departure and amid rotation concerns, Reijnders’ passing range and tactical flexibility have put him firmly on the Premier League champions’ radar.
Onyedika in the spotlight
To fill the void, Milan is now eyeing 24-year-old Raphael Onyedika, who had a standout season with Club Brugge, particularly in the UEFA Champions League, where his performances were instrumental in the Belgian side’s impressive run to the quarter-finals.
Onyedika is known for his defensive discipline, physical presence, and strong ball-recovery skills, making him a natural fit for Milan’s midfield structure. He has also drawn attention from several Premier League clubs, although Milan are said to be leading the race thanks to their long-standing interest and proactive approach.
Born in Nigeria and beginning his career with FC Midtjylland in Denmark, Onyedika has steadily risen through the European ranks. His all-action style and work rate have earned him admirers across the continent, and his age profile fits perfectly into Milan’s transfer philosophy of blending youth with elite-level potential.
Nigerian talent on the rise
Onyedika’s rise is emblematic of the new wave of Nigerian talent making its mark in Europe’s top leagues. His ability to read the game, break up play, and initiate counterattacks from deep would offer Milan a different dynamic compared to Reijnders, who excels more in forward progression and distribution.
Milan’s technical director, Paolo Maldini, and the scouting department are reportedly in advanced talks with Club Brugge, with a proposed fee of around €25–30 million under discussion. The Belgian side is open to negotiations but could hold out for more, given Onyedika’s growing market value.
Milan’s midfield reboot
With Luka Modric also set to join Milan following his Real Madrid departure, and with Olivier Giroud exiting, the Italian giants are undergoing a tactical reshuffle under manager Stefano Pioli. Should Reijnders complete his move to City, replacing him quickly with a high-potential talent like Onyedika would be key to keeping Milan competitive in Serie A and Europe.
Onyedika’s potential arrival could also strengthen Milan’s depth as they prepare for a congested season that includes Champions League commitments and domestic title aspirations.
What’s next?
Nothing is finalized yet, but momentum is building on both ends. Manchester City are pushing to finalize Reijnders’ transfer swiftly, while Milan are preparing a formal approach for Onyedika. As always, personal terms, agent negotiations, and final valuation will determine how quickly the deal progresses.
But if all goes to plan, Milan could soon have a new Nigerian midfield general anchoring their lineup one capable of filling big shoes and rising even further on Europe’s biggest stages.
