Fulham eye Super Eagles anchorman Frank Onyeka as the transfer window starts to stir

SUPER Eagles anchorman Frank Onyeka could be joining his compatriots Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi at English Premier League side Fulham after the club expressed an interest in purchasing the midfielder from west London neighbours Brentford.

Onyeka, 26, who is currently in camp with the national team for the forthcoming African Cup of Nations, was signed from Danish side Midtjylland side by Brentford on July 20 2021 for an undisclosed fee. However, Fulham are now keen on purchasing for a fee of around £20m to replace their Portuguese star João Palhinha, who is likely to be on the move, as Liverpool are keen on signing him.

Regarded as a had tackling shield in front of the back four, Onyeka has had a topsy turvey time at Brentford since joining them. Not everything has gone to plan as he has only started 26 league games in two-and-a-half seasons, more often than not being used as a substitute coming off the bench.

To step in and replace Palhinha at Fulham, who has been virtually ever-present for the Whites would be a big step up. Finding a perfect replacement for the Portuguese is going to be impossible but Onyeka would be a step in the right direction.

Onyeka would also have the benefit of being helped to settle in by international teammates Iwobi and Bassey. Onyeka made his Super Eagles debut in a friendly against Algeria on  October 9 2020 and scored his first international goal on October 16 2023, in a 3-2 win over Mozambique.

However, apart from Fulham, Everton and a number of clubs are said to be interested in securing Onyeka's services during the current transfer window. Onyeka signed a new four-year contract with Brentford in August and is valued at around £20m, although it appears more likely that he could head out on loan until the end of the season.

Fiorentina, Lens and Villarreal are also believed to be interested in signing Onyeka on loan, as they are aware of the fact that he wants regular first team football. Onyeka is likely to be a permanent feature during the forthcoming African Cup of Nations following the withdrawal of Leicester City's Wilfred Ndidi from the squad.