Eupen mum over interests for Onyekuru News

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Eupen mum over interests for Onyekuru

By Daily Sports on June 18, 2017

Belgian Pro League outfit KAS Eupen have opted to keep the future of Nigeria international Henry Onyekuru close to their chest despite increasing reports of his exit.

According to reports, there have been official bids put in for the services of the 20-year-old, but Eupen would rather prefer that negotiations for the striker remain confidential.

A spokesman of Eupen told supersport.com this week: "We never disclose any information about transfers as long as they are still in negotiations (no matter which club).

"We will make an official statement as soon as everything is officially done."

No doubt Eupen know that it is only a matter of time before Onyekuru makes that exit.

A fortnight ago, Eupen had sensed that there will be a frenzy around their main man and immediately gave "an exclusive mandate" to player broker and businessman Mogi Bayat. It was clear that the Belgian club knew that they will come up against some of Europe's big spenders.

"The large amount of often divergent interest shown by clubs, agents, advisers, etc in a potential transfer of KAS Eupen player Henry Onyekuru has led us to give Mr Mogi Bayat an exclusive mandate to negotiate with the various parties on behalf of KAS Eupen.

Also, with a view to making such a transfer as trouble-free as possible for the player concerned insofar as KAS Eupen receives an acceptable offer and the player agrees thereto," a statement from the club in early June revealed.

Among the first real suitors for Onyekuru were Scottish champions Celtic but somehow the story around that move has simmered.

Arsenal also were named in the mix. The Gunners looked like favourites to land the Nigerian forward who can also play as a wideman.

Onyekuru was quite excited with reports linking him with one of the biggest sides in the English league.

“It’s a good feeling for a club like Arsenal to come make an offer for me, this is due to my hard work in training and games. It’s a good feeling. I am waiting and working towards it and we’ll see how it goes," he said.

Reports have also suggested that Southampton, West Bromwich Albion, Birmingham City and West Ham United are interested in landing the forward.

However in the past days, Birmingham and West Ham are reportedly leading the chase for the 20-year-old who also has his demands if a deal is eventually sealed for him.

The former Aspire Academy apprentice has made it clear that he does not want to play second fiddle when he finally leaves Eupen for probably a bigger club. That is something not too many of his suitors can guarantee.

But the Nigerian striker is insistent on continuing his development as a young player through regular playing time.

"The first and most important thing for a player is to get playing time.

"I’m still young and I still have a long career to pursue but now I need to play.

"My agents are in talks with top clubs in the Premier League, Bundesliga, French league and others. If they accept our terms, then I’ll make a decision," Onyekuru told ESPN recently.

However one thing is beginning to look clear - Onyekuru may not be at the Kehrweg Stadium when KAS Eupen begin the new season against SV Zulte Waregem in July.

*Photo shows Henry Onyekuru.

Source Daily Sports

Posted June 18, 2017