Transfer: Trabzonspor launch ₦10.6billion bid for Super Eagles striker

Turkish Süper Lig side, Trabzonspor Kulübü, have launched a €6m bid for Super Eagles and Southampton striker, Paul Ebere Onuachu, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 30-year-old striker spent the 2023/2024 football season on loan with the Karadeniz Fırtınası, scoring 17 goals in 25 games for the Turkish side across all competitions.

Following the end of his loan spell, the Super Eagles striker wants to continue his football career with Abdullah Mucib Avcı’s team.

Southampton coach, Martin Russell is open to letting the former Genk striker leave the St. Mary’s Stadium, but not for less than half the amount spent to bring him to England. The Saint splashed €18m to bring Onuachu to the club.

Soccernet.ng previously reported that Trabzonspor President, Ertuğrul Doğan is keen on keeping the Nigerian at the club, but both clubs are far in their evaluation of the 2.1m tall striker.

According to Turkish outlet, Karadeniz Gazete, Trabzonspor have tabled a €6m(₦10.6billion) bid for the ex-FC Ebedei striker, and are waiting for Southampton’s response to the offer.

Joe Aribo’s side are asking for €9m, but Trabzonspor are hopeful of getting a deal done as the player is said to be keen on a return. Trabzonspor have also offered to send a player on loan to Goztepe as part of the deal. Both Goztepe and Southampton are owned by the Sport Republic group.

Should Southampton insist on their asking price, the deal will be put on hold. The summer transfer window in the English Premier League ends on the 30th of August, while it ends two weeks later in Turkey.

Southampton do not want an unhappy player at the club, and with Onuachu not in their plans for the 2024/2025 season, The Saints might have no choice but to accept Trabzonspor’s offer.

Adefolahan Guerreiro

Adefolahan is a multilingual journalist and writer at Soccernet Nigeria.

With a track record of involvement in College sports, Adefolahan is focused on crafting engaging football content and utilising his language skills and extensive sports knowledge to enhance content accessibility for a global audience.

He has interviewed Nigerian stars like Finidi George, Junior Lokosa, and Abraham Onahi Ogbu.