Nigerian international midfielder, Frank Onyeka, has sealed a season-long loan move from Premier League side Brentford to FC Augsburg in the German Bundesliga.
At 26, Onyeka is looking to rejuvenate his career in Germany after struggling to secure consistent playing time under Brentford manager Thomas Frank.
The loan arrangement does not include an option to buy, meaning Onyeka is expected to return to the London club at the conclusion of the season.
Since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations with Nigeria, where he played a significant role in the Super Eagles’ campaign, earning a silver medal under the management of José Peseiro, Onyeka has found himself on the fringes at Brentford.
Despite being a key figure in Nigeria’s AFCON journey, his opportunities at the club level have dwindled, with Onyeka making just two Premier League appearances this season, both as a substitute.
His frustration with the lack of playing time has led him to seek more opportunities elsewhere.
Onyeka, who initially made his mark at FC Midtjylland before moving to Brentford in July 2021, has racked up 78 appearances for the Bees, scoring once and providing four assists.
However, increased competition in Brentford’s midfield has seen him fall down the pecking order, motivating him to explore options that would guarantee him more minutes on the pitch.
Throughout the summer transfer window, Onyeka was linked with a number of European clubs, including Spanish La Liga sides Girona and Valencia.
Girona’s interest eventually waned, while Valencia, who appeared to be strong contenders for his signature, opted to pursue Aston Villa’s Enzo Barrenechea instead. This development paved the way for Augsburg to secure Onyeka’s services.
By joining Augsburg, Onyeka becomes the third Nigerian international to feature in the Bundesliga this season, alongside Bayer Leverkusen’s Nathan Tella and Victor Boniface.
Onyeka’s move to Germany also comes with a call-up to Nigeria’s national team, where he has been named in Bruno Labbadia’s 23-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda.
As he looks to extend his strong form on the international stage, Onyeka’s time in Germany could be pivotal for both his club and country.
