Trabzonspor has reportedly reached a definitive agreement with English club Southampton for the permanent transfer of Nigerian international striker Paul Onuachu. The deal, valued at €8 million (approximately £6.8 million), marks a significant step towards securing the prolific 31-year-old forward, who enjoyed a highly successful loan spell at the Turkish club during the 2023/24 season.
According to renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the clubs have successfully agreed upon the transfer fee, paving the way for Onuachu’s full-time return to the Super Lig.
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Onuachu’s loan period with Trabzonspor was exceptionally fruitful, where he rediscovered the scoring touch that had previously made him one of Europe’s most sought-after strikers.
He netted an impressive 14 goals in just 20 Super Lig appearances, a stark contrast to his limited impact during his time at Southampton. This prolific form quickly made him a fan favorite in Trabzon and solidified his status as a top priority for the club’s permanent acquisition.
Onuachu initially joined Southampton in January 2023 from Belgian side Genk for a fee of €18 million (approximately £15 million), after a remarkable period in Belgium where he scored 79 goals in 114 appearances for Genk, including 33 league goals in the 2020-21 season, earning him the Belgian Pro League’s Golden Boot.
However, the towering forward, who stands at 2.01 meters (6’7″), struggled to adapt to the Premier League’s intensity, failing to score in his 11 appearances for the Saints during their relegation campaign.
For Southampton, this sale represents a strategic financial maneuver. The club, now navigating life outside the Premier League, is focused on reducing its wage bill and restructuring its squad.
With Onuachu entering the final year of his contract (set to expire June 2026) and reportedly earning a significant wage, his permanent departure provides crucial financial flexibility. Southampton had reportedly held out for a higher fee in previous negotiations, but the need to offload players and balance their books, coupled with Onuachu’s clear desire to return to Turkey, has led them to accept a reduced sum.
While personal terms are reportedly still being finalized, progress is overwhelmingly positive.
This transfer represents a strategic coup for Trabzonspor, allowing them to retain a proven goalscorer who seamlessly integrated into their system. For Paul Onuachu, it signifies a return to an environment where he thrives, offering him the stability and consistent playing time needed to continue his impactful career.
The move is expected to be formally announced once medical examinations are successfully completed, bringing an end to a prolonged transfer saga and marking a new chapter for the Nigerian striker in Turkey.
