Turkish Super Lig side Trabzonspor have reportedly tabled a club-record offer for Paul Onuachu following Southampton’s hard stance on the striker’s value.
Onuachu spent the 2023/24 season on loan at Trabzonspor and was one of the club’s best players as they finished third in the league, behind Fenerbahce and champions Galatasaray.
The Nigeria international put aside his struggles at Southampton and rediscovered his best form in Turkey, scoring 17 goals and providing four assists in all competitions. Onuachu’s impressive campaign led to Trabzonspor opening talks with the Saints over the possibility of signing the forward on a permanent transfer.
The English club initially rejected Trabzonspor’s offer to loan the player for another season, with fellow Turkish side Goztepe also mooted as a possible destination for Onuachu if no agreement was reached with his parent club.
While discussions between the two clubs have dragged on for weeks, it has now emerged that Trabzonspor are ready to break the bank to acquire the services of the former Genk sniper.
Trabzonspor: Details of the Paul Onuachu bid
Earlier reports suggested Southampton, who will be playing in the Premier League next season after gaining promotion, had slapped a €12 million asking price on Onuachu’s head, which Trabzonspor were unwilling to meet due to their tight summer budget.
However, the latest report is that the Turkish side has taken a major step towards reaching an agreement with Southampton by making a club-record offer with a clause that could tempt the Saints into finally accepting the bid.
According to Turkish publication Yomra Sonhaber, Trabzonspor have tabled a bid of €6 million and 25% share of any future sale.
While the offer is still below Southampton’s valuation of Onuachu, the Nigerian will become Trabzonspor’s most expensive signing should it be accepted by the English club.
