Super Eagles midfielder Frank Onyeka is facing an uncertain club future immediately after helping Nigeria secure a bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. His Premier League club, Brentford, have reportedly placed him on the transfer market.
Brentford's Decision Amid Contract Situation
According to reports emerging from England, Brentford are prepared to sell or loan Frank Onyeka before the January transfer window closes. The primary driver behind this decision is the player's contract situation, with his current deal at the Gtech Community Stadium set to expire in just over five months, around June 2026.
The club is keen to avoid losing the 28-year-old on a free transfer and is open to either a permanent sale or a loan deal that includes an option to buy. Brentford are said to be willing to accept a fee in the region of £7-8 million for the Nigerian international.
Onyeka's playing time has been limited this season under manager Keith Andrews, featuring in only nine matches across all competitions. His involvement at AFCON 2025, where he missed more than six Premier League games, has further complicated his standing at the club.
Onyeka's Stellar AFCON Performance Contrasts Club Woes
Nicknamed "The Tank," Onyeka was a standout performer for the Super Eagles during their run to third place in Morocco. He formed a formidable and consistent midfield trio with Alex Iwobi and captain Wilfred Ndidi, providing energy and tactical discipline throughout the tournament.
Nigeria navigated a tough path, defeating opponents like Algeria, Tunisia, and Mozambique, before clinching the bronze medal by beating Egypt on penalties. This marked Nigeria's ninth third-place finish in the history of the continental championship.
Onyeka's contributions were pivotal, reaffirming his status as a dependable big-game player for the national team. His strong showing on the continental stage has, however, been overshadowed by the sudden turn of events at his club upon his return from international duty.
Clubs Line Up for the Super Eagles Midfielder
Interest in the experienced midfielder is already materializing. Championship side Sheffield United have emerged as a serious suitor, with reports indicating they have made a formal enquiry as they seek to bolster their squad for the second half of the season.
Beyond England, Spanish La Liga club Valencia are also monitoring the situation. Onyeka has prior experience in a major European league, having spent the previous season on loan at German Bundesliga side Augsburg, where he made 34 appearances.
Brentford originally signed Frank Onyeka from Danish club FC Midtjylland in 2021. Since his arrival, he has made 87 appearances for the Bees, scoring one goal and providing six assists.
With the transfer deadline set for February 2, 2026, the coming days will be crucial in determining where the Super Eagles star will play his club football for the remainder of the season and beyond.
