Nigerian international Raphael Onyedika may be at risk of losing his starting position at Club Brugge due to the impending arrival of Ardon Jashari.
The Belgian giants are reportedly close to agreeing terms with the 21-year-old with FC Luzern for the services of the Swiss midfielder, who has also been scouted by Anderlecht, according to HLN.
If the deal materialises, Onyedika could see his playing time limited because he has failed to impress the Club Brugge faithful this season.
In 21 Belgian Pro League games, the 22-year-old Nigerian has yet to score a goal but can boast of providing an assist.
With 30 league games played so far, Club Brugge are currently in fourth place with 51 points, trailing league leaders Union Saint-Gilloise by 19 points.
This explains their resolve to seek reinforcements in the summer.
What kind of player is Jashari?
Jashari, hailing from Luzern and with ancestral ties to North Macedonia, emerged from the youth system. In 2022, he earned two caps for the Swiss national team, both as a substitute, gaining brief playing time against Portugal in the World Cup in Qatar and in the Nations League versus the Czech Republic.
Despite his age, Jashari possesses valuable experience. He has amassed 92 appearances for FC Luzern's first team since his debut in July 2020 at the age of 18.
Jashari plays as a defensive midfielder. He is an energetic presence and provides plenty of cut and thrust in the middle of the pitch.
He is strong and good in the air, blessed with an ability to change direction with almost effotless ease and his balance on the ball- combined with great awareness of what's around him makes him a capable all-rounder for his position.
In the current 2023/24 Swiss Super League season, Jashari has scored five goals and provided two assists in 26 games.
Could Jashari's arrival be a blessing for Raphael Onyedika?
Onyedika has in the last few weeks been linked to several clubs including Barcelona, Nottingham Forest, Galatasaray, Crystal Palace and Everton.
The 22-year-old has been a consistent presence for Club Brugge ever since he made the switch from Danish club, FC Midtjylland in 2022.
Furthermore, he represented the Super Eagles squad that clinched silver at the Africa Cup of Nations held in Ivory Coast, which recently ended in Ivory Coast.
At just 22 years old, Raphael Onyedika held the distinction of being the youngest player in Jose Peseiro's squad. However, his involvement for Nigeria in AFCON 2024 was minimal, with his appearance limited to a late substitute role during the 1-0 victory over Guinea-Bissau in the group stage.
