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Nigerian striker Paul Onuachu is closing in on a return to Turkish Super Lig side Trabzonspor following a standout loan spell during the 2023/24 season. The 31 year old scored 15 goals and provided four assists in just 21 appearances for the Black Sea Storm, earning praise from fans and management alike.
Trabzonspor attempted to make the move permanent last summer but couldn’t meet Southampton’s valuation. However, with the English club now relegated and Onuachu entering the final year of his contract, a deal is back on the table and gaining momentum.
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During his time at Southampton, the former Genk star managed four goals and one assist across 25 league matches. His impact at Trabzonspor has reignited interest in securing his services long-term, with negotiations reportedly progressing.
Editorial
Paul Onuachu’s possible return to Trabzonspor makes perfect sense for the club, the player, and Nigerian football. In a world where form is everything, the towering striker found his rhythm in Turkey, scoring goals with consistency and confidence. Why disrupt a partnership that clearly works?
At Southampton, Onuachu never quite looked settled. The Premier League’s pace and style didn’t suit his . But in the Turkish Super Lig, he’s rediscovered his identity a traditional No. 9 with elite aerial ability and sharp positioning. He didn’t just fit in at Trabzonspor he thrived.
This move could mark a revival, not a retreat. Too often, players are judged by their success in England. But football is global, and Onuachu is proving that dominance can be found elsewhere. Turkey may not have the Premier League’s glare, but it offers what many strikers crave—faith, form, and freedom.
For the Super Eagles, this deal could be timely. A striker in form ahead of AFCON 2025 is invaluable. Nigeria doesn’t lack options up front, but Onuachu provides something different: a physical presence and clinical eye in the box.
If the deal goes through, everyone wins especially Nigerian fans hoping for a fully unlocked version of Onuachu in green and white.
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Did You Know?
Paul Onuachu scored 33 league goals in the 2020/21 Belgian Pro League season for Genk the highest by any Nigerian in a European top flight league that season.
Trabzonspor’s last Turkish Super Lig title came in the 2021/22 season, ending a 38-year drought.
Onuachu is among the tallest strikers in Europe at 2.01 metres (6 feet 7 inches).
Despite limited minutes, he featured for Nigeria at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.
Southampton signed Onuachu in January 2023 for a reported £18 million, making him one of their most expensive signings at the time.