Trabzonspor receive €9m Saudi offer for Paul Onuachu as transfer deadline nears

Trabzonspor have received a new offer from an unnamed Saudi Pro League club for Nigeria striker Paul Onuachu, with the Saudi transfer window due to close on 12 September.

The proposal is understood to be worth about €9m (£7.8m), or approximately N13.8bn, for the 32-year-old. The interested club is also prepared to offer Onuachu three times his current Trabzonspor salary in an attempt to convince him to move to Saudi Arabia.

Onuachu’s future has been uncertain throughout the summer. He joined Trabzonspor permanently from Southampton last year, following the English club’s relegation, but has since been linked with a move away from the Turkish side.

The Nigerian enjoyed an outstanding individual campaign last season, finishing as the Turkish league’s Golden Boot winner and also receiving the Best Goal of the Season award. He was influential in Trabzonspor’s Turkish Cup success, scoring twice in the final against Konyaspor.

Despite that impact, Onuachu has not scored in any of his five appearances so far this season. His difficult start has not reduced interest, with a number of clubs continuing to explore the possibility of signing him to strengthen their attacks.

Most European transfer windows have now closed, but clubs in the Saudi Pro League still have until 12 September to complete business. That leaves the unnamed Saudi club with a short period in which to press ahead with its pursuit of Onuachu.

Salary package could take deal beyond €18m

Onuachu currently earns about €3.13m a year at Trabzonspor. If the Saudi offer is accepted, his annual salary would rise to more than €9m.

When the proposed transfer fee and first-year wages are combined, the total value of the package could reach approximately €18m in the opening year. The overall figure could increase further, depending on the length of the contract offered by the Saudi club.

Trabzonspor have already rejected approaches from Saudi giants Al Hilal and Al Ahli. The club’s president has also publicly maintained that they want to keep Onuachu and are not actively seeking to sell the striker.

However, the situation could change following the arrival of Franculino Dju and the possibility of signing Brazilian forward Richarlison from Tottenham Hotspur. Adding further attacking options would give Trabzonspor greater depth and could create an opportunity for Onuachu to leave if the club decides to approve a transfer.

The striker therefore faces an important decision in the coming days. With only a short time remaining before the Saudi window closes, the next 48 hours could prove decisive in determining whether Onuachu stays at Trabzonspor beyond the summer window or moves to the Saudi Pro League.