Report: FC Midtjylland to sell Frank Onyeka to Brentford before Celtic tie

By David Walton

June 23, 2021

FC Midtjylland are set to sell key man Frank Onyeka to Brentford just weeks before they face Celtic, according to Danish outlet BT.

The Denmark-based newspaper believes that Onyeka is undergoing a medical in Copenhagen today. This is said to be ahead of an £11.5m deal. However, a fee has yet to be officially agreed between the two clubs. BT believes discussions are ongoing.

Onyeka’s potential Premier League switch comes after starring for the club in the Champions League last season. The defensive midfielder started all six of their group stage games last season and made 44 appearances for the club overall [Transfermarkt].

The tough-tackling midfielder angered Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp last season for a challenge on Divock Origi. It led to a spat between Klopp and former Midtjylland boss Brian Priske [BT].

Midtjylland have undergone real change at the football club since then. Priske departed for Antwerp, with new manager Bo Henriksen only having just started taking training last week.

Midtjylland selling Frank Onyeka an interesting development for Celtic

There’s no denying Midtjylland will be weaker for selling Onyeka if that’s the move they chose to make. The Nigerian international would’ve been tasked with stopping the likes of Ryan Christie, David Turnbull, and Tom Rogic from making an impact in the final third.

It remains to be seen if the Danish club make a quick investment in a replacement. Even so, Onyeka will be a tough player to replace. He’s been with Midtjylland for five-and-a-half years, coming through the club’s youth ranks.

If Celtic’s upcoming opponents fail to replace him, they’ll likely feature Evander alongside Jens Cajuste. Both regulars in the starting XI in their own right.

Frank Onyeka impressed against Liverpool (Photo by BO AMSTRUP/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Images)

Of course, Henriksen’s style of play at Midtjylland remains to be seen. If he wishes to play with only one defensive midfielder, he has the depth to do so. It all depends on how he views Celtic’s attacking threats.

But it looks as though they’re going to be without Onyeka in any case. This one looks like a formality, and a pleasant surprise for Celtic ahead of the tie in four weeks’ time.

As always, we’ll keep you updated on any developments from our Danish rivals.

In other news, Celtic have reportedly made a move to try and bring in Ange Postecoglou’s first signing.