Frank Onyeka Set to Return to Brentford as Augsburg Declines Permanent Deal
Super Eagles midfielder Frank Onyeka is expected to return to Brentford FC at the end of the 2024/25 season, following the conclusion of his loan spell with Bundesliga outfit FC Augsburg. According to Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, there are no current discussions between both clubs for a permanent transfer, marking the likely end of Onyeka’s short but impactful stint in Germany.
A Strong But Temporary Impression at Augsburg
The 27-year-old Nigerian international made the move to Augsburg on loan in August 2024, seeking regular first-team football after finding himself on the fringes under Thomas Frank at Brentford. In West London, Onyeka struggled to cement a starting berth, often deployed as a backup option in Brentford’s crowded midfield lineup.
However, the change of scenery proved beneficial.
Under Jess Thorup at Augsburg, Onyeka quickly became a key figure in midfield, featuring in 24 of the 25 Bundesliga matches he has been available for. His dynamic box-to-box presence, ball-winning ability, and high work rate provided much-needed stability and balance to the team.
Despite his strong performances, the German club has opted not to pursue a permanent deal. Augsburg’s decision appears to be a mix of financial considerations and long-term squad planning, especially with the club nearing the 40-point safety threshold in the Bundesliga — a figure historically sufficient to avoid relegation.
Why Augsburg May Be Letting Onyeka Go
While Frank Onyeka’s impact on the pitch has been undeniable, Augsburg’s reluctance to seal a permanent deal could come down to several factors:
- Transfer fee concerns: Brentford is reportedly valuing Onyeka at a price higher than what Augsburg are currently willing to pay for a player nearing his late 20s.
- Squad dynamics: Augsburg may be looking to promote younger talent or seek a more cost-effective long-term replacement.
- Budget priorities: With survival in the Bundesliga almost assured, Augsburg could be focusing resources on other areas in need of reinforcement.
Onyeka’s Brentford Future Remains Uncertain
As Onyeka prepares to return to Brentford, the big question is whether he has a future at the club. His lack of minutes during the 2023/24 season was the major reason behind the loan move in the first place.
Since Frank Onyeka’s departure, Brentford have adjusted well, despite also losing Ivan Toney to the Saudi Pro League at the beginning of the season. The Bees have been resilient and effective, sitting 12th on the Premier League table with 42 points from 31 matches, already safe from relegation with seven games left.
It remains unclear whether Thomas Frank sees Onyeka as part of his plans going forward or whether the Nigerian midfielder will be moved on again — either permanently or on loan.
Super Eagles Relevance: Onyeka’s International Career
From a national team perspective, Frank Onyeka’s return to regular football at club level has been a positive development. He remains a part of the Super Eagles setup, providing depth and experience in midfield alongside the likes of Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, and Joe Aribo.
However, his inconsistent club form in the past has seen him drop down the pecking order. Should Onyeka secure consistent playing time — whether at Brentford or elsewhere — it would enhance his chances of making Nigeria’s squad for the 2025 AFCON tournament in Morocco and the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Head coach Finidi George is known to favour players who are in top form and playing regularly in competitive leagues, which means Onyeka will need to secure a stable club situation by the start of the 2025/26 season to remain relevant on the international scene.
What the Stats Say: Onyeka’s 2024/25 Bundesliga Campaign
Let’s break down Frank Onyeka’s Bundesliga numbers at Augsburg:
- Appearances: 25
- Starts: 24
- Goals: 2
- Assists: 3
- Pass Completion Rate: 84%
- Tackles per Game: 2.3
- Interceptions per Game: 1.8
- Yellow Cards: 5
These statistics underscore the Nigerian’s role as a robust midfield enforcer. His ability to break up opposition play, recycle possession, and drive forward with the ball made him a standout performer at Augsburg — even if only for one season.
Market Value and Transfer Outlook
Currently valued at around €6 million, Onyeka still holds significant appeal across Europe, especially for clubs in Germany, France, and Italy, where dynamic central midfielders are in high demand.
If Brentford decide not to reintegrate him into their plans, a move to another Bundesliga club or even a return to the Eredivisie (where he first broke out with FC Midtjylland before joining Brentford in 2021) could be on the cards.
Possible destinations in summer 2025 include:
- VfL Wolfsburg (looking to rebuild midfield depth)
- RC Strasbourg (under BlueCo ownership, known to scout African talent)
- Feyenoord or AZ Alkmaar (Dutch clubs with strong interest in versatile midfielders)
What’s Next for Onyeka?
As Onyeka’s loan spell winds down, the focus now shifts to his agent and Brentford’s sporting director to map out his future.
Does he stay in London and fight for a place in the Brentford squad? Or does he seek a new adventure elsewhere, possibly in a league where he can be a guaranteed starter?
The next few months will be pivotal. Pre-season preparations, player sales, and Brentford’s summer transfer activity will likely determine where the Nigerian ends up.
Conclusion: A Short but Sweet Chapter
Frank Onyeka’s time at Augsburg may not extend beyond a season, but he has done his reputation no harm. In just under a year, he proved he can handle the physical and tactical demands of the Bundesliga, offering Augsburg strength and steel in the engine room when they needed it most.
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As he returns to Brentford, Nigerian fans will be watching closely — not just to see where he plays next, but to assess whether he can recapture the form that once made him one of Nigeria’s most promising midfield talents.
