Paul Onuachu, a star for Southampton, is eager for manager Russell Martin to decide quickly whether or not to approve his permanent departure from St Mary’s after he set his sights on completing a permanent transfer to Trabzonspor during the summer transfer window, according to GIVEMESPORT sources.
After defeating Leeds United in the Championship play-off final last month, which is projected to bring in £140 million over the course of the following three seasons, Saints have increased the bar in anticipation of their much-awaited Premier League comeback.
Adam Lallana chose to leave Brighton & Hove Albion at the end of his contract, so Martin has already strengthened his squad. However, director of football Rasmus Ankersen and former Swansea City chief chief are debating who to let go before the August 30 deadline.
Onuachu Eager to Learn Fate in Coming Days
Striker keen to seal quickfire return to Trabzonspor
According to GMS sources, Onuachu is keen to return to Trabzonspor after having a successful loan spell with the Turkish team during the 2023–24 campaign. He is determined that Southampton decide by the beginning of July whether they are ready to cash in on him.
After making 25 appearances for the Papara Park-based team, the striker scored 17 goals and provided four assists. He is eager to find out whether a contract can be worked out so he can continue his impressive play in the Super Liga.
As Che Adams approaches the last few weeks of his contract on the south coast, Southampton could find itself severely shorthanded at centre forward. However, GMS sources have learned that Martin is leaning towards letting Onuachu take on a new challenge in the upcoming weeks.
| Paul Onuachu’s statistical averages per 90 minutes during the 2023/24 campaign compared to Che Adams | ||
|---|---|---|
| Paul Onuachu | Che Adams | |
| Shots | 3.61 | 3.15 |
| Fouls drawn | 3.31 | 1.38 |
| Shots on target | 1.42 | 1.22 |
| Goals | 0.89 | 0.63 |
| Assists | 0.24 | 0.16 |
| Statistics correct as of 24/06/2024 | ||
The 6′ 7″ Nigerian international, who is presently on vacation, is hopeful that a speedy resolution will be reached before the club players are scheduled to return to Staplewood for pre-season. Former Genk colleague Rasmus Carstensen has called him “insanely talented at football.”
Onuachu is a constant threat for Trabzonspor, but according to GMS sources, he is not at the forefront of Martin’s plans. As a result, he is expected to hold internal discussions about his future, and it seems likely that he has already played his last game for Southampton.
GIVEMESPORT Important Statistic: Paul Onuachu scored one hat-trick in the 2023–24 Super Liga season, in Trabzonspor’s 4–2 April triumph over Gaziantep.
Martin Willing to Make Significant Loss on Onuachu
Newly-promoted side open to cut-price sale
Although Southampton paid £18 million to entice Onuachu away from Genk two and a half years ago, GMS sources have revealed that Southampton is willing to accept offers worth half that amount during the remaining transfer window, meaning they may lose a lot of money on the player.
While they are aware that cashing in would boost the recruitment budget ahead of the season-opener against Newcastle United, Saints have accepted that they need to cut their losses and move on from the 30-year-old, who has failed to find the back of the net over the course of 12 appearances for the south coast side.
Onuachu’s wish to return to Trabzonspor quickly, however, may not be fulfilled, according to GMS sources, as Southampton would rather have him off their books permanently than approve another loan, which would be the Turkish team’s preference. As a result, there is still uncertainty about Onuachu’s future.
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