English Premier League
“This is not Onuachu I came across last season” — Southampton’s Russell Martin
By Monsurah Olatunji
Southampton coach Russell Martin has expressed his surprise at the improvement of Nigeria international, Paul Onuachu during their pre-season training.
The Super Eagles striker caught the attention of the Saints with his impressive form for KRC Genk in the Belgian League, as they paid €18m to sign him during the January transfer window of the 2022/23 season.
However, he failed to replicate his fantastic form as he struggled to adapt to life in England, failing to score in his 12 appearances for the Saints, which led to a season-long loan move to Turkish outfit Trabzonspor.
On his return for preseason, the 30-year-old striker came in as a substitute in the 72nd minute of Southampton’s 0-0 draw with Getafe in their final pre-season friendly on Saturday.
His 18-minute cameo was his only appearance for Southampton since the 3-1 EFL Cup defeat to Gillingham more than a year ago in August 2023, and Russell Martin is encouraged by Onuachu’s renewed confidence and work ethic.
“I just think he’s different to what we have,” Martin told the Daily Echo.
“He’s trained well. He’s a different Paul from the one I came across last season in terms of confidence. I think the last pre-season was so difficult for so many of them.
“They hadn’t had a chance in the Premier League or they’d come in January and not taken to it that well.
“This summer he’s a different beast and whilst he’s here, same as Kyle Walker-Peters, we will try and utilise him.”
