Nigerian forward Paul Onuachu remains at the centre of transfer negotiations between Southampton and Trabzonspor as the two clubs search for a transfer fee common ground, Soccernet.ng reports.
Trabzonspor president Ertuğrul Doğan has voiced his frustration over Southampton’s firm stance in negotiations for the permanent signing of Nigerian striker Paul Onuachu, describing the Premier League club’s demands as ‘endless’.
Onuachu enjoyed a productive loan spell with the Turkish giants during the 2023–24 campaign, netting 17 goals in all
competitions and finishing as the club’s top scorer. One of his goals even earned a nomination for the prestigious FIFA Puskás Award, underlining his impact in the Turkish Super Lig.
Having failed to secure a permanent deal for Onuachu last summer, Trabzonspor are back at the negotiating table following a disappointing 2024–25 campaign. But despite renewed efforts, talks have once again stalled.
Speaking to Kadirga TV as per haberanlik, Doğan did not hold back in his criticism of Southampton’s transfer stance.
“Onuachu’s club has endless demands,” he said.
“They are constantly changing their expectations. I will not pay 8, 9, or 10 million euros as has been suggested in the market. Last year they wanted 15 million euros, and we refused. Trabzonspor does not have the budget to meet such figures.”
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The Turkish club has reportedly tabled an offer worth €5.5–6 million, including bonuses, but progress remains slow.
“We’ve made our offer,” Doğan continued. “Now we wait. Negotiations are still ongoing.”
Doğan also revealed that Onuachu is one of three key targets Trabzonspor are aiming to secure this summer.
“There were three players we had identified. We’ve completed the signing of Wagner Pina, and we’re close to finalising a deal for centre-back Christopher Wooh. The third is Paul Onuachu,” he added.
Onuachu, who joined Southampton from Genk in January 2023, scored just four times during the just-concluded season in England but still finished as the club’s top Premier League scorer in a campaign that ended in relegation for the Saints.