Nigeria international Paul Onuachu is on the brink of completing a return to Trabzonspor, with Southampton and the Turkish giants in advanced talks to finalise the striker’s transfer, Soccernet.ng reports.
According to respected Nigerian journalist Buchi Laba, negotiations between the two clubs have reached a crucial stage, with Southampton reportedly holding out for a significant upfront payment before giving the green light for Onuachu’s move.
Personal terms between the 31-year-old and Trabzonspor have already been agreed, and the player is currently in Nigeria awaiting the go-ahead to travel to Turkey for medicals.
Onuachu spent the 2023-2024 season on loan at Trabzonspor, where he enjoyed a prolific spell, scoring 17 goals in 25 Super Lig appearances. His impact was immediate, and Trabzonspor have since made his permanent acquisition a top priority.
Speaking at a recent press conference, Trabzonspor president Ertuğrul Doğan confirmed:
“Paul Onuachu is on our transfer agenda. We are in contact with him and we are working to finalise the deal. Hopefully, we’ll reach an agreement soon.”
Despite Onuachu’s efforts, his parent club Southampton endured a dismal 2024-25 Premier League campaign, finishing bottom with just 12 points – narrowly avoiding the record for the worst season in Premier League history. The Nigerian forward managed just four goals and one assist in 28 appearances for the Saints.
With a year left on his current contract, Southampton are reportedly seeking £4.2 million for the striker, though Trabzonspor are pushing for a reduced fee.
The appointment of Will Still as the new head coach at St Mary’s has done little to convince Onuachu to stay, and a permanent switch now looks imminent.
Onuachu, who joined Southampton from Belgian side Genk in January 2023, is determined to return to Trabzonspor, where he quickly became a fan favourite.
A proven goalscorer of repute, Onuachu has won trophies in Denmark and Belgium, and while in the latter country was voted Belgian Footballer of the Year and won the country’s top scoring Golden Bull honour.