Lanky Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu has completed a permanent move from English club Southampton to Turkish side Trabzonspor for a fee of €5.6 million ($6.6 million).
Southampton has thus incurred a significant loss after acquiring the towering forward from Belgian Pro League side KRC Genk in January 2023 for €18 million.
“We thank Paul for his efforts during his time as a Saints player and wish him well,” the club said in a statement on their website.
During his time at St. Mary’s, the 31-year-old Nigerian international made 40 appearances. He will now continue his career in the Turkish Süper Lig with Trabzonspor.
Onuachu returns to familiar ground in Turkey, having impressed during a loan spell with Trabzonspor in the 2023–24 campaign.
Since making his debut for Nigeria in 2019, Onuachu has earned 24 caps and scored three goals for the Super Eagles. While on loan at Trabzonspor last season, he netted 15 goals in 21 appearances.
In 25 league appearances for Southampton last season, Onuachu—who was part of the Nigerian squad that finished second at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations—scored four goals and provided one assist.
Galatasaray, the defending champions, will kick off the 2024 Süper Lig season on August 8. Trabzonspor, who finished seventh last season, will be hoping their returning striker picks up right where he left off.
