Nigeria Players Abroad
Paul Onuachu expresses desire for permanent move to Trabzonspor
By Wale Mustapha
Nigerian striker Paul Onuachu has expressed his desire to remain with Turkish Super Lig giant Trabzonspor on a permanent basis.
The Super Eagles forward spent the last season on loan at Trabzonspor from Southampton, where he made a significant impact by scoring 15 goals and providing four assists in 21 games, contributing to the team’s impressive league finish.
Although Onuachu is set to return to Southampton following the completion of his loan stint, he has made it clear that he prefers to stay with Trabzonspor.
Other Turkish clubs, including Besiktas and Galatasaray, have shown interest in the towering forward. Additionally, Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce has placed him on their standby list should they fail to secure their primary target.
Trabzonspor is eager to secure Onuachu’s services for another season and is working to finalize the deal before their pre-season training camp in Hungary, set to begin on July 1, 2024.
According to Turkish sports daily Fanatik, the club is pushing for a transfer and hopes to bring Onuachu back, preferably on another loan deal due to financial constraints preventing a permanent transfer.
Onuachu has reportedly informed his agent that he only wants to play for Trabzonspor in Turkey and has asked Southampton to facilitate his return to the Black Sea Storm.
Demonstrating his commitment, Onuachu has not vacated his house in Trabzon ahead of a potential return.
Southampton initially valued Onuachu at 15 million euros but have since reduced the price tag to 10 million euros. Despite this reduction, a permanent move remains financially challenging for Trabzonspor, who are instead aiming to arrange another loan deal for the prolific striker.
