Who fits the bill? Southampton outline ideal coach for Aribo, Onuachu

English Premier League club Southampton have outlined their ideal coach for Super Eagles duo Joe Aribo and Paul Onuachu after parting ways with Russell Martin, Soccernet.ng reports.

Following an embarrassing 5-0 defeat at St. Mary’s Stadium, which extended their EPL losing streak to three games, Southampton sank further into the bottom of the Premier League table.

After the game, which featured both Nigerians—Aribo starting and Onuachu as an unused substitute—Martin was relieved of his duties, with Simon Rusk temporarily taking charge of the team.

Ideal Coach for Aribo and Onuachu

Transfer expert David Ornstein has weighed in on Southampton’s criteria for their next manager. As reported by Saints Extra, citing NBC Sports, the club plans to build on Martin’s foundation.

“Southampton want somebody who can tap into the identity that Russell Martin started but is much better defensively and on set-pieces, to lead them as part of their project for the long term,” Ornstein said.

The sports journalist further revealed that the appointment of a new manager for Aribo, Onuachu, and others could be announced soon.

“There could even be an appointment this week, maybe next week, depending on negotiations, exit clauses, and the likes,” he added.

Southampton Blocked Onuachu’s Summer Exit

During the 2024 summer transfer window, the towering Nigerian striker was at the centre of a transfer tussle between Southampton and Trabzonspor over a permanent return to the Süper Lig.

Southampton remained firm during negotiations, insisting on selling the 2024 FIFA Puskás Award nominee for a fee in the region of €15 million—just €3 million less than the amount they paid to sign him from Genk.

“We made the biggest offer to his club regarding Paul Onuachu,” Trabzonspor President Ertugrul Doğan said. “We made an offer of €6 million plus bonuses, up to €8 million, but his club (Southampton) insisted on €15 million. We are still interested. Preparations are underway to add another foreigner.”

Will Onuachu Exit in January?

According to reports, Onuachu remains a priority target for Trabzonspor, who are planning another move for the Nigerian striker during the January transfer window.

Although their €7 million bid was rejected last summer, the Black Sea Storm may need to stretch their finances to convince the struggling Premier League side.

Additionally, Trabzonspor could face competition from their Super Lig rivals Beşiktaş, who are also reportedly interested in a January move for the Super Eagles forward.