Club Brugge boss dismisses Super Eagles star’s Galatasaray links as reason for bench role in KV Kortrijk win

Club Brugge manager Nicky Hayen has put to rest any rumours surrounding Raphael Onyedika’s absence from the starting line-up during their 3-0 win over KV Kortrijk, Soccernet.ng reports.

Despite speculation linking the Nigerian midfielder with a move to Galatasaray during the summer transfer window, Hayen has clarified that Onyedika’s late return from international duty, not transfer issues, was the reason for his benching.

Onyedika had been heavily linked with a switch to the Turkish giants, where he would have teamed up with his Nigerian compatriot Victor Osimhen.

Reports even suggested that personal terms had been agreed, and there were claims that Onyedika had submitted a transfer request in an attempt to force the move.

However, with the Turkish transfer window closing without any deal being finalised, Onyedika remained with Club Brugge.

Club Brugge manager Nicky Hayen and Onyedika
In response to swirling rumours, Hayen explained the real reason behind Onyedika’s absence from the starting XI.

“The fact that Onyedika starts on the bench has nothing to do with the transfer period, he only returned late after the international period so I don’t want to take any risks,” Hayen said, via the official Club Brugge channels.

Onyedika had recently represented Nigeria, playing a key role in the Super Eagles’ impressive performances against Benin and Rwanda during the September international break.

Onyedika eventually came off the bench in the 60th minute, helping Brugge secure a commanding 3-0 win over Kortrijk.

The Nigerian midfielder’s presence helped solidify Brugge’s midfield as the champions comfortably saw out the game, continuing their strong start to the Jupiler Pro League season.