Brentford’s Frank Onyeka Available for January Transfer or Loan

Key Points

• Brentford midfielder Frank Onyeka, aged 28, is available for sale or on loan during the January transfer window.
• Onyeka remains with the Nigeria national team at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and is scheduled to feature in a third-place play-off match over the weekend.​
• His future at Brentford is uncertain as the club is unwilling to grant him the prominent role and regular playing time he desires.​
• Brentford technical director Keith Andrews stated, “I know Frank is keen to play football more regularly than he has and I completely understand that.”​
• Andrews, when asked about further business beyond signing Kaye Furo from Club Brugge, said: “I would rather focus on what I have and focus on my players. I have a lot of belief in my players.”​
• Andrews added: “Equally, if we feel a deal is right and we could add to the group then we would do that.”​
• Interest in Onyeka includes Birmingham City and Coventry City, with Coventry eyeing a loan deal and Birmingham preparing a proposal.
• La Liga side Valencia has approached Brentford regarding Onyeka’s availability.
• Onyeka has made limited appearances this season: 6 in the Premier League with 1 assist, and only 88 minutes in total under Andrews.
• His contract with Brentford runs until June 2027, with a market value of €7 million according to Transfermarkt.
• Onyeka recently expressed a dream to play for Manchester United, stating “Yes of course, I want to play for Manchester United,” amid Nigeria’s strong AFCON campaign.
• He spent last season on loan at FC Augsburg in the Bundesliga.
• Nigeria, featuring Onyeka, has reached the AFCON semi-finals, facing Morocco, after wins including 4-0 over Mozambique and 3-2 over Tunisia.​

hounslow/brentford/">Brentford, West London, January 16, 2026 – Brentford have placed midfielder Frank Onyeka on the transfer list this January, making the 28-year-old Nigerian international available for a permanent sale or loan move amid doubts over his long-term future at the club. Onyeka, currently representing Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, continues to impress on the international stage but faces an uncertain path back to the Bees. Brentford technical director Keith Andrews confirmed the club’s stance during a pre-match press conference ahead of the Premier League clash with Chelsea.sports.

Who is Frank Onyeka and What is His Brentford History?

Frank Onyeka joined Brentford from FC Midtjylland in July 2021 for an undisclosed fee, signing a five-year contract after impressing in Denmark’s Superliga where he helped win two titles and the Danish Cup. As reported by Brentford FC’s official site, head coach Thomas Frank at the time described him as “a very dynamic player” who excels at “getting from box to box” and winning the ball, adding value particularly without possession. Onyeka made his Nigeria debut against Algeria shortly after and has since earned 41 caps with 3 goals.

In August 2023, Onyeka signed a four-year contract extension with an option for an additional year, as covered by BBC Sport, with then-manager Thomas Frank praising his pressing ability and role in 41 Premier League appearances despite injury setbacks. However, his time at Brentford has been hampered by limited minutes; this season, he has featured in just 6 Premier League games for 88 minutes and 1 assist. Last term, he was loaned to FC Augsburg, where, as quoted in Brentford’s match programme against Burnley, he noted the Bundesliga’s high-intensity running compared to the Premier League:

“People often say that in the Bundesliga, players run a lot compared to the Premier League. When I got there, I felt it. They always want to go forward with every ball.”

Why is Brentford Making Onyeka Available Now?

Brentford’s reluctance stems from Onyeka’s desire for regular football, which the club cannot guarantee under current head coach Keith Andrews. As reported by BBC Sport, Andrews said:

“I know Frank is keen to play football more regularly than he has and I completely understand that.”

Onyeka’s form has been monitored closely, but with his contract expiring in June 2027—leaving less than 18 months—Brentford appear open to cashing in during this window.

The timing coincides with Onyeka’s international commitments at AFCON 2025, where Nigeria progressed unbeaten in the group stage (2-1 vs Tanzania, 3-2 vs Tunisia, 3-1 vs Uganda) before a 4-0 win over Mozambique in the last 16 and strong showings alongside Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi. Andrews confirmed in his Chelsea press conference, as per BBC Sport, that Onyeka “is still missing as he’s away” for the third-place play-off this weekend. A decision on his future may follow the tournament’s end.

What Did Keith Andrews Exactly Say About Transfers?

In the same press conference, Andrews was measured on squad changes, focusing on recent signing Kaye Furo from Club Brugge. As quoted verbatim by BBC Sport:

“I would rather focus on what I have and focus on my players. I have a lot of belief in my players.”

He elaborated:

“Equally, if we feel a deal is right and we could add to the group then we would do that.”

Andrews also noted defender Kristoffer Ajer’s likely retention and winger Dango Ouattara’s return from Burkina Faso’s AFCON exit.

This comes amid Brentford’s solid form under Andrews, who has limited Onyeka despite his ball-winning prowess. Earlier, in December 2025, Andrews flagged a match against Leeds as “probably” Onyeka’s last before AFCON duty.

Which Clubs Are Interested in Signing Onyeka?

Multiple clubs have shown interest in the €7 million-valued midfielder. TransferFeed reports that Birmingham City and Coventry City are keen, with Coventry hoping for a loan and Birmingham formulating a proposal; Onyeka’s Championship move would offer regular starts, Coventry chasing promotion. Sky Sports sources indicate La Liga’s Valencia have approached Brentford directly about his availability.

Onyeka’s own comments have fuelled speculation. As covered by Punch Sports Extra and The Peoples Person, he admitted dreaming of Manchester United: “Yes of course, I want to play for Manchester United,” during Nigeria’s semi-final build-up against Morocco. SportWitness noted this as a candid response in a friendly chat, though United’s midfield targets include others like Carlos Baleba. Fans criticised the remark amid Brentford’s stance.

How Has Onyeka Performed This Season and at AFCON?

At Brentford, Onyeka’s stats reflect his bench role: 87 Premier League appearances total, 1 goal, 6 assists lifetime, but minimal this term. His salary is around €46,374 weekly, per Kickoff Nigeria.

At AFCON, he shone: combative in the 3-2 Tunisia win and 4-0 Mozambique rout, with 2 tackles, 7 recoveries, 1 block vs Mozambique. Onyeka told Brentford FC:

“I’m very proud to wear the shirt… Hopefully this will be our year… This squad is one of the best the Super Eagles have ever had,”

naming leaders like Victor Osimhen and Troost-Ekong. Nigeria’s semi-final exit sets up the third-place match.

What Are Onyeka’s Career Highlights and Future Prospects?

From FC Ebedei in Nigeria to Midtjylland (123 apps, 17 goals, Champions League experience), Onyeka’s trajectory led to Brentford’s Premier League survival pushes. Co-Director Rasmus Ankersen once hailed him as “the dominant midfielder in the Danish league.”

With 15 months left on his deal and AFCON exposure, prospects look bright for a move offering prominence. Valencia appeals for top-flight continuity, while Championship sides promise minutes; a United dream remains aspirational. Brentford’s openness signals the end of a chapter, but Onyeka’s dynamism—pace, power, pressing—ensures suitors.