Raphael Onyedika: EPL title contenders ready to make move for Super Eagles AFCON 2025 star

Premier League title contenders Aston Villa are reportedly exploring their options in the transfer market, with Nigerian international Raphael Onyedika emerging as a potential target following a significant injury to key midfielder Boubacar Kamara.

Kamara was substituted with a knee injury during Villa's recent FA Cup win over Tottenham Hotspur.

Manager Unai Emery has expressed concern over the potential severity of the issue, particularly given Kamara's history with a previous ACL injury.

This development has forced Villa to reassess their midfield targets. The club had previously been linked with Conor Gallagher, who ultimately opted for a move from Atletico Madrid to Tottenham Hotspur.

According to transfer specialist Sacha Tavolieri, Aston Villa have now enquired about the availability of Club Brugge's Raphael Onyedika.

While Turkish club Galatasaray are reportedly frontrunners for the midfielder's signature, Villa have now entered the conversation.

Onyedika, 24, has been a mainstay for the Belgian side over the past three and a half seasons, making 165 appearances and contributing eight goals and five assists.

He also brings valuable European experience, having played 22 times in the Champions League, including a run to the last 16 in the 2024-25 season, where they were eliminated by Villa.

With just 18 months left on his contract, Onyedika may be open to a new challenge.

The 23-cap international recently helped Nigeria secure a third-place finish at the Africa Cup of Nations, famously scoring two goals in the 3-1 win over Uganda, and playing all 90 minutes in the penalty shootout win over Egypt.

Villa are third in the standings but have the chance to go 4 points behind leaders Arsenal with a win over Everton on Sunday evening.