Former Nigeria international Patrick Pascal during an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa praised Paul Onuachu’s prolific season at Trabzonspor, describing the striker as “a very good number nine” amid growing interest from Saudi Arabia.
Onuachu, 31, is the leading scorer in the Turkish Super Lig with 18 goals in 21 appearances this season, underlining his importance to the former Turkish champions. He extended his scoring run to six consecutive league matches with a goal in Friday’s win over Fatih Karagümrük, setting a new club benchmark in the process.
In doing so, Onuachu surpassed the five-game streak managed by former Trabzonspor forward and current head coach Fatih Tekke during the 2004-05 campaign. He has also eclipsed previous five-match runs recorded by Shota Arveladze and Paulo Henrique.
Tekke scored in five successive league games against Malatyaspor, Gençlerbirliği, Denizlispor, Gaziantepspor and Sakaryaspor during that 2004-05 season, but Onuachu has now gone one better.
Speaking to Footy-Africa, Pascal was full of admiration for the Nigeria international’s consistency and professionalism.
“Paul Onuachu is a very good number nine. He’s doing well in the Turkish league with Trabzonspor and having a strong season, scoring most of their goals and even providing assists. In the national team, he bonds well with everyone,” he told Footy-Africa.
“His attitude toward teammates is excellent, and he’s a true professional. I’ve never seen him have problems with anyone in camp. So I’m not surprised by how well he’s performing at Trabzonspor.”
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From Southampton struggles to Turkish success
Before moving to Trabzonspor, Onuachu endured a difficult spell at Southampton F.C., where he struggled to establish himself and was eventually deemed surplus to requirements.
His resurgence in Turkey has prompted debate over whether he can replicate such form in Europe’s elite leagues, with some suggesting the Super Lig offers a less demanding environment than English football.
Pascal believes context is key.
“Sometimes in football, changing clubs doesn’t always mean a player will continue performing at their best. A player can move somewhere new and struggle, then go elsewhere and rediscover form. It depends on the coach, the environment, and many other factors.
Take Mohamed Salah for example. When he was at Chelsea F.C. under José Mourinho, he didn’t perform at his best. But after moving and eventually joining Liverpool F.C., he became one of the best attackers in the world. Environment matters a lot,” he added.
Salah struggled for regular opportunities at Chelsea F.C. under José Mourinho before flourishing at Liverpool F.C., where he has developed into one of Europe’s most prolific forwards.
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Saudi interest and financial considerations
Onuachu has now been linked with a lucrative move to Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli Saudi F.C.
Reports in Turkey suggest Al Ahli are seeking a replacement for Ivan Toney, who is expected to return to Europe in the summer transfer window, with Onuachu identified as a primary target.
The Nigerian striker remains under contract at Trabzonspor until 2028. However, while he currently earns around €48,000 per week, Al Ahli are reportedly prepared to offer a salary in the region of €144,000 per week.
Pascal believes any decision must balance sporting ambition with financial security and family life:
“Sometimes it depends. Changing clubs also affects family life. If a player has a family and children, they may need to move schools and adjust to a new country. All of this plays on the mind. That’s why some players hesitate to leave a place where they’re happy and performing well.
At the same time, football is also a career. If a player is performing in Turkey and receives a bigger offer from Saudi Arabia, it can make sense financially to move. Playing in Europe may bring prestige, Champions League football, and legacy. But at the end of the day, what matters is what you build for yourself and your family. You can’t retire and ‘count’ that you once played against stars like Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi. What matters is what you saved and invested.”
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“Some players in smaller leagues earn more money than those in bigger leagues, especially considering taxes. In some countries, players take home less because of high tax rates. So financial decisions are important. Football careers are short. Players must think about life after football,” Pascal concluded.
For now, Onuachu’s focus remains on maintaining his remarkable scoring form in Turkey — but with interest growing and significant financial incentives on the table, the summer could present a defining moment in the next chapter of his career.
