Aston Villa Want This 24-Year-Old Midfielder To Replace Injured Kamara: Is He The Right Fit? | OneFootball

Aston Villa face a critical deficit in their engine room following Boubacar Kamara’s severe knee injury. The French international’s absence leaves a gaping hole in Unai Emery’s tactical setup. This forces the Birmingham club to scour the market for an immediate replacement.

Aston Villa Enquire About Raphael Onyedika

Belgian transfer specialist Sacha Tavolieri identifies Club Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika as a primary target for the Villans. So, the Premier League side have sent a formal enquiry to discuss the Nigerian’s availability this winter.

Onyedika has delivered standout performances in the Jupiler Pro League. He has caught the eye of scouts across Europe with his tenacious ball-winning abilities. Emery might view the 24-year-old as an ideal candidate to anchor his midfield during this demanding phase of the season.

However, securing the Nigerian’s signature presents a significant challenge. Tavolieri claims that Turkish giants Galatasaray currently lead the race for Onyedika. The Istanbul-based club have tracked the player for months. They remain his most likely destination despite Villa’s late entry. Aston Villa must now act decisively if they wish to hijack the move and bring the dynamic African midfielder to the West Midlands.

Is Onyedika the Right Fit for Villa Park?

BRUGES, BELGIUM – SEPTEMBER 18: Raphael Onyedika Nwadike of Club Brugge in action during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Club Brugge KV and AS Monaco at Jan Breydelstadion on September 18, 2025 in Bruges, Belgium. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

Raphael Onyedika represents exactly the type of profile Unai Emery covets for his double pivot. The Nigerian possesses the requisite physicality to screen the back four. This is a trait Villa desperately need without Kamara’s presence. Yet, he offers more than just defensive grit.

His passing range and composure under pressure allow him to drive build-up play from deep areas. Emery demands that his holding midfielders resist the press and circulate the ball efficiently. Looking at the Nigerian’s stats in Belgium, Onyedika appears to be the ideal fit.

Practically, however, this transfer appears difficult. Galatasaray have seemingly done the groundwork. They might have established a rapport with the player’s camp long before Villa expressed interest. The allure of Premier League football often sways decisions.

Nevertheless, the advanced nature of the Turkish club’s negotiations could prove insurmountable in a short January window. On top of that, Club Brugge will likely demand a premium fee to release a key asset mid-season. In our view, Onyedika would be a sensational addition who could slot straight into the starting eleven. Even so, Villa fans should temper their expectations given the fierce competition.