Nigeria-eligible midfielder Francis Onyeka is on the verge of joining recently relegated VfL Bochum on a season-long loan from Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen, according to Werkself Xtra.
The highly-rated 18-year-old attacking midfielder has risen through the ranks at Leverkusen, having joined the club’s youth setup in 2014. Despite being touted as one of the brightest prospects to emerge from the club’s academy in recent years, Onyeka has struggled to break into the star-studded senior side.
Though he made his senior debut for Leverkusen—featuring once each in the UEFA Champions League and the DFB Pokal over the past two seasons—his path to regular first-team football remains blocked by the presence of established stars like Florian Wirtz, Amine Adli, and Jonas Hofmann.
With limited opportunities and growing competition in midfield, Leverkusen is set to send Onyeka out on loan to gain valuable first-team experience.
Bochum, who will compete in the second deivision next season following their relegation, appears to be his likely destination.
Onyeka still has two years remaining on his contract with Die Werkself. The club may look to extend his deal before sanctioning the temporary move to ensure they retain control over his long-term future. Alternatively, his performance during the loan spell could influence whether Leverkusen reintegrates him or considers a permanent move.
Born in Germany to Nigerian parents, Onyeka is eligible to represent either country at international level. He has already featured for Germany at U-15, U-16, U-17, and U-18 levels but remains uncapped at senior level, meaning a switch to Nigeria remains possible.
A naturally left-footed player, Onyeka operates predominantly as an attacking midfielder and is known for his vision, close control, and creativity in the final third. Despite speculation, he has no relation to Super Eagles midfielder Frank Onyeka.
With Leverkusen expected to undergo a summer shake-up following Xabi Alonso’s move to Real Madrid and several top players are likely to depart—Onyeka’s loan move could offer him the consistent minutes needed to accelerate his development.
