Turkish side Trabzonspor have reignited their pursuit of Nigerian striker Paul Onuachu for a permanent move from English Championship club Southampton in the summer transfer window, Footy-Africa can exclusively confirm.
After initial contact over a month ago, Trabzonspor have now resumed their bid for Onuachu’s signature and are aiming to wrap up the deal with Southampton in the coming days. The 31-year-old has one year remaining on his current contract with the Saints.
Onuachu previously played for Trabzonspor on loan from Southampton, where he excelled—scoring 17 goals and providing four assists in just 25 matches. He is now the club’s top target, and reportedly, a deal is close. The forward is expected to sign a three-year contract, should negotiations be finalized, according to an exclusive source at his representing agency, CMG Sports.
“The talks began before the end of the season but have intensified in recent days, and it’s now closer than ever. What delayed the negotiations earlier was that Paul (Onuachu) had to make a decision, as several teams wanted to sign him. He has now made up his mind, and it’s up to Southampton and Trabzonspor to conclude the deal quickly,” the source told Footy-Africa in an exclusive interview.
It should be recalled that Onuachu joined the Saints in 2023 from Belgian side Genk on a three-year contract. He has since played 40 matches—including 28 in the recently concluded season—scoring four goals and registering one assist.
At Genk, the Nigerian—whose Transfermarkt valuation is estimated at €6 million—played 135 games, scored 85 goals, and provided eight assists. Earlier in his career, he also featured for Danish sides Midtjylland and Vejle BK.
Internationally, Onuachu is a fully capped Nigerian senior team player, having made 24 appearances for the Super Eagles and scoring three goals.
