Super Eagles transfer: Confident Trabzonspor circle back for Onuachu as Southampton struggle

Turkish Super Lig side Trabzonspor have revived their interest in securing the signature of Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu, Soccernet.ng reports.

This time, the seven-time Turkish champions are confident of sealing a permanent deal ahead of the summer transfer window.

Sources close to the matter told Africafoot that Trabzonspor have already made contact with the Super Eagles forward over a possible move from Southampton, as the English side continue to battle financial pressure ahead of their potential relegation from the Premier League.

The St Mary’s outfit have endured a dismal performance in the 2024–25 season, having secured just 10 points in their 32 domestic league games.

This has set them on course for relegation, and Onuachu has reportedly been lined up as one of the players to be sold to reduce their financial burden.

The 30-year-old spent last season on loan at the Black Sea Storm, where he delivered an impressive return of 17 goals and four assists in all competitions.

His performances endeared him to the Trabzonspor faithful and left the club’s management eager to bring him back on a long-term basis.

Per reports, the Turkish outfit are now pushing for a three-year permanent deal for the lanky forward, who still has a year left on his Southampton contract.

However, with the Saints now scrambling for financial stability and facing the prospect of trimming their wage bill, Trabzonspor are optimistic that an agreement can be reached for a reduced fee.

Onuachu joined Southampton from Genk in January 2023 but struggled to make an impact in England before being sent on loan.

Under Ivan Juric, during his return to England from loan, the Nigerian broke his long-standing deadlock in the EPL, now totalling four goals and one assist in 23 matches played for Southampton this season.

It is still unclear what Southampton intend to do with Onuachu, but their return to the EFL Championship could give Trabzonspor more leverage in negotiations.