Norgaard’s Exit Opens Door for Onyeka at Brentford

Super Eagles midfielder Frank Onyeka says he is prepared to fight for a regular role at Brentford following his return from a season-long loan in Germany with Augsburg, Sport360NG reports.

The 27-year-old, who featured in 31 Bundesliga matches last term, is back in West London as the Bees prepare to kick off their Premier League campaign on Sunday against Nottingham Forest.

Onyeka admitted just two months ago that his future with Brentford was unclear, but the arrival of new head coach Keith Andrews has given him renewed confidence.
“He actually sent me a message saying he’s looking forward to me coming back and starting pre-season with them. That shows I’m in his plans,” Onyeka told the BBC.

Although he managed only 15 minutes across Brentford’s three pre-season friendlies, the Nigerian insists he is focused on competing for a starting spot amid transfer links to Valencia, Crystal Palace and Burnley.
“My goal is to start and play every game, just as I managed to do last season in Germany. The loan move gave me a fresh experience compared to my three years at Brentford,” he said.

The departure of club captain Christian Norgaard to Arsenal could also open the door for Onyeka to feature more prominently in midfield this season.

New boss Andrews, meanwhile, has stressed the need for balance between ambition and realism as he looks to build on last season’s 10th-place finish.
“We know how demanding the Premier League is. As a club, we’re ambitious, but we’re also realistic about what it takes to be successful,” Andrews told Brentford’s website.

Onyeka, who joined the Bees in 2021 and is under contract until 2027, has made 78 appearances in all competitions for the club.