The transfer saga surrounding Nigerian striker Paul Onuachu continues to unfold, with Trabzonspor president Ertugrul Dogan expressing increasing frustration over Southampton’s seemingly shifting demands. Onuachu, who enjoyed a prolific loan spell at Trabzonspor last season, netting 17 goals in 25 appearances, has made his desire to return to the Turkish club clear. However, negotiations for a permanent transfer have hit a snag due to what Trabzonspor perceives as unrealistic expectations and a lack of clarity from the English Championship side.
Dogan confirmed Trabzonspor’s formal offer of €5.5m to €6m, inclusive of bonuses, for the striker. He countered media speculation suggesting Onuachu’s availability for between €8m and €10m, emphasizing that such figures are beyond Trabzonspor’s financial capabilities. The Trabzonspor president pointed to the fluctuating valuations and demands emanating from Southampton, attributing the instability to ongoing changes within their management structure. He highlighted the stark contrast between Southampton’s initial asking price of €15m last season and the current, albeit unconfirmed, rumored figures, further underscoring the difficulty in reaching a mutually agreeable transfer fee.
While Onuachu has reportedly agreed personal terms with Trabzonspor and is actively pushing for the move, Southampton remain steadfast in their pursuit of a higher fee, despite the Nigerian international having only one year remaining on his contract. Onuachu’s performances for Southampton, while not entirely underwhelming given the team’s overall struggles, did not reach the heights of his previous seasons. He managed four goals in 25 Premier League appearances during a season that saw Southampton relegated to the Championship after a historically poor campaign, accumulating a mere 12 points.
Southampton, now under the guidance of new manager Will Still, are embarking on a rebuilding process in the Championship. While Onuachu’s departure seems inevitable, the club appears determined to maximize their return on the investment made in the striker. This stance has created an impasse in negotiations with Trabzonspor, who are keen to secure Onuachu’s services as a key component of their squad for the upcoming Super Lig season. Trabzonspor have already bolstered their ranks with the signing of Joaquin Pina and are reportedly close to finalizing a deal for Jean-Charles Castelletto, demonstrating their active approach to strengthening the team.
The contrasting priorities of the two clubs are at the heart of the stalled negotiations. Trabzonspor, recognizing Onuachu’s proven goal-scoring ability within their system and his eagerness to return, are unwilling to be held hostage by inflated demands, particularly given the player’s contractual situation. Southampton, on the other hand, are seeking to recoup as much of their initial investment as possible, viewing Onuachu’s potential and previous track record as justification for a higher fee. This difference in valuation has created a stalemate, leaving the player in limbo.
The situation remains fluid, with no resolution in sight. Dogan reiterated Trabzonspor’s commitment to their valuation of the player and their refusal to be pressured into overspending. The coming days and weeks will be crucial in determining whether a compromise can be reached or if the transfer saga will continue to drag on, potentially jeopardizing Onuachu’s desired move and Trabzonspor’s plans for the new season. The ball remains firmly in Southampton’s court, as they weigh up the benefits of holding out for a higher fee against the risk of losing a valuable asset for a reduced price or even for free next summer.
