Russell Martin made an unexpected comment about Paul Onuachu following his brief appearance in Southampton’s 0-0 draw against Getafe on Saturday.
The starting eleven for Southampton against the La Liga side is likely to be the same lineup that Russell Martin intends to use in their Premier League opener against Newcastle United next weekend.
Despite the recent signing of Ben Brereton Diaz, the Saints manager is still seeking additional attacking options. However, even if new players were brought in within the next week, they are unlikely to be immediately integrated into the team.
The goalless draw with Getafe, which concluded Southampton’s pre-season, was largely forgettable, with only a few missed chances from Adam Armstrong standing out.
One notable aspect, however, was the unexpected appearance of Paul Onuachu, who has expressed a desire to leave. Martin has now hinted that the Nigerian striker could still play a role if he remains at the club.
Russell Martin gives Paul Onuachu Southampton opportunity amid transfer interest
In January 2023, Southampton paid £18 million to acquire the 6′ 8″ Onuachu on the day of the transfer deadline.
But Ruben Selles hardly used the Nigerian forward, and the more direct Nathan Jones was fired just a few days after he arrived, so the Nigerian was not given many chances to make an impression.
His abilities were demonstrated during his season on loan at Trabzonspor the previous year, where he played in 25 games and scored 17 goals and provided four assists.
Because of this, the Turkish team is attempting to sign the 30-year-old, who is eager to transfer, but they haven’t yet made an offer that Southampton would really consider.
For the final 17 minutes on Saturday, Martin dragged Onuachu in from the cold since there’s a chance the club won’t get its asking price this summer.
The gangly striker found it hard to establish himself in a game that was fading away, but his play from the previous campaign demonstrated that, given the right circumstances, he is a useful player.
Martin keen to ‘utilise’ Onuachu whilst he is still at Southampton
Onuachu was signed with the intention of leading the Saints to safety during a disastrous 2022–2023 campaign, however he has yet to score a goal for the team.
His signing has thus far proven to be a costly error, and his departure this summer seems to be the most likely consequence.
Martin, nevertheless, hinted after the game that the Southampton manager will utilise him as a resource as long as he stays with the team, stating, “I just think he’s different from what we have.” He has extremely good training.
“In terms of confidence, he’s a different Paul than the one I met last season. I believe that a great deal of them struggled during the previous preseason.
“They hadn’t really adapted to life in January, or they hadn’t had a chance in the Premier League.”
“Like Kyle Walker-Peters, he’s a different animal this summer, and we will make use of him while he’s here.”
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Onuachu was signed with the intention of leading the Saints to safety during a disastrous 2022–2023 campaign, however he has yet to score a goal for the team.
His signing has thus far proven to be a costly error, and his departure this summer seems to be the most likely consequence.
Martin, nevertheless, hinted after the game that the Southampton manager will utilise him as a resource as long as he stays with the team, stating, “I just think he’s different from what we have.” He has extremely good training.
“In terms of confidence, he’s a different Paul than the one I met last season. I believe that a great deal of them struggled during the previous preseason.
“They hadn’t really adapted to life in January, or they hadn’t had a chance in the Premier League.”
“Like Kyle Walker-Peters, he’s a different animal this summer, and we will make use of him while he’s here.”
Onuachu was signed with the intention of leading the Saints to safety during a disastrous 2022–2023 campaign, however he has yet to score a goal for the team.
His signing has thus far proven to be a costly error, and his departure this summer seems to be the most likely consequence.
Martin, nevertheless, hinted after the game that the Southampton manager will utilise him as a resource as long as he stays with the team, stating, “I just think he’s different from what we have.” He has extremely good training.
“In terms of confidence, he’s a different Paul than the one I met last season. I believe that a great deal of them struggled during the previous preseason.
“They hadn’t really adapted to life in January, or they hadn’t had a chance in the Premier League.”
“Like Kyle Walker-Peters, he’s a different animal this summer, and we will make use of him while he’s here.”
Onuachu was signed with the intention of leading the Saints to safety during a disastrous 2022–2023 campaign, however he has yet to score a goal for the team.
His signing has thus far proven to be a costly error, and his departure this summer seems to be the most likely consequence.
Martin, nevertheless, hinted after the game that the Southampton manager will utilise him as a resource as long as he stays with the team, stating, “I just think he’s different from what we have.” He has extremely good training.
“In terms of confidence, he’s a different Paul than the one I met last season. I believe that a great deal of them struggled during the previous preseason.
“They hadn’t really adapted to life in January, or they hadn’t had a chance in the Premier League.”
“Like Kyle Walker-Peters, he’s a different animal this summer, and we will make use of him while he’s here.”
Onuachu was signed with the intention of leading the Saints to safety during a disastrous 2022–2023 campaign, however he has yet to score a goal for the team.
His signing has thus far proven to be a costly error, and his departure this summer seems to be the most likely consequence.
Martin, nevertheless, hinted after the game that the Southampton manager will utilise him as a resource as long as he stays with the team, stating, “I just think he’s different from what we have.” He has extremely good training.
“In terms of confidence, he’s a different Paul than the one I met last season. I believe that a great deal of them struggled during the previous preseason.
“They hadn’t really adapted to life in January, or they hadn’t had a chance in the Premier League.”
“Like Kyle Walker-Peters, he’s a different animal this summer, and we will make use of him while he’s here.”
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