Paul Onuachu turns down Istanbul giants and Saudi riches to commit future to Trabzonspor

Paul Onuachu has ended mounting speculation over his future by insisting he will not leave Trabzonspor, despite major offers from Fenerbahce, Galatasaray, Saudi Pro League clubs and interest from Germany.

The Nigeria striker, who enjoyed the most prolific season of his career last term, has confirmed he is staying put in Trabzon, dismissing the chance to secure a huge pay rise elsewhere and reinforcing his belief that “this is where I belong”.

Onuachu, 32, finished last season as joint-top scorer in the Super Lig with 22 goals in 30 league matches and also played a central role in Trabzonspor’s Turkish Cup triumph. His form put him at the centre of this summer’s transfer market, with several of Europe’s and the Middle East’s biggest spenders lining up to sign him.

Fenerbahce bid and Galatasaray move rejected

Among the most serious approaches came from Fenerbahce, who were reported to have submitted an official €20m bid and offered forward Oguz Aydın as part of the package in a bid to tempt Trabzonspor into a sale.

Galatasaray, where fellow Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen plays, also showed strong interest. The reigning Turkish champions were said to be hopeful that Osimhen could help persuade his international team-mate to cross the divide and join them in Istanbul.

Besiktas were similarly credited with a desire to sign the Super Eagles forward, underlining the scale of domestic competition for his signature.

However, Onuachu has now made clear that, despite the attention from Turkiye’s leading clubs, he never considered himself truly on the market as far as his own intentions were concerned.

Saudi millions fail to sway Super Eagles striker

The strongest financial packages, though, came from Saudi Arabia.

Al-Ahli and Al Hilal were both prepared to put forward lucrative proposals, with reports claiming Al-Ahli were ready to increase Onuachu’s salary by four or even five times what he currently earns.

Trabzonspor, however, were angered by Al-Ahli’s conduct, accusing the Saudi Pro League side of approaching the player without permission and reporting the matter to FIFA.

Even with the prospect of a life-changing contract, Onuachu has opted against moving to the Gulf, instead choosing competitive continuity and personal contentment in Trabzon over a huge payday.

German clubs monitoring but Trabzonspor stand firm

Interest was not limited to Turkiye and Saudi Arabia. In Germany, Bayer Leverkusen, Wolfsburg and Werder Bremen were all understood to be monitoring the situation closely as they assessed options to strengthen their forward lines.

Trabzonspor, though, have been in a strong position throughout. Onuachu is under contract until 2028, and the club value him between €25m and €30m. They have already turned down bids in the €11m to €20m range, making it clear they will not strengthen domestic rivals or sell below their valuation.

That stance has now been reinforced by the player’s own public commitment to remain.

‘This is where I belong’

For Onuachu, staying at Trabzonspor has been framed as a deeply personal choice as much as a footballing one.

The former Genk forward has explained that, after leaving Southampton, he was determined to return to Trabzon and worked hard behind the scenes to make the move happen, describing the club as his only desired destination.

He maintained that his conviction did not waver during prolonged negotiations, reiterating that he had just one club in mind when it became clear he would be leaving Southampton.

Onuachu has also highlighted the strong relationships he has developed inside the Trabzonspor dressing room and around the club, portraying a sense of belonging that he was unwilling to give up, regardless of the financial incentives on offer elsewhere.

Season of goals and silverware

Onuachu’s determination to stay comes off the back of a standout campaign for both club and country.

Across all competitions last season, he scored 28 goals and provided two assists in 43 appearances. His 22 league strikes brought him the Super Lig Golden Boot, while his form in the Turkish Cup was equally decisive.

He scored four times in six Turkish Cup games, including a crucial brace in Trabzonspor’s 2-1 win over Konyaspor in the final, securing the trophy and capping a memorable domestic year.

On the international stage, Onuachu featured for Nigeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, scoring once in five matches as the Super Eagles finished the tournament with the bronze medal.

Having now drawn a line under speculation linking him with moves to Galatasaray, Fenerbahce, Besiktas, Al-Ahli, Al Hilal and several Bundesliga clubs, Onuachu will head into the new season as Trabzonspor’s main attacking focal point – and firmly committed to the club he says feels like home.