Exclusive: After promotion, the £18 million Southampton star is “set to seal exit”Within a few days of securing their return to the Premier League, Southampton has set their eyes on moving Paul Onuachu.The forward, who impressed while on loan at Trabzonspor, is not included in manager Russell Martin’s plans.As Southampton looks for a buyer ready to satisfy their summer demands, Onuachu may decide to make a swift and permanent return to Turkey.
According to GIVEMESPORT sources, Southampton star Paul Onu chu is expected to complete his permanent exit from St Mary’s when the transfer window reopens because he does not fit into manager Russell Martin’s plans after leading his team back into the Premier League on his first try.
Last weekend, Saints defeated Leeds United 1-0 in the Championship play-off final. Adam Armstrong scored the game’s winning goal. The victory under the Wembley roof has provided the south coast team with much-needed cash, as it is projected to bring in up to £140 million over the next three seasons.
Following Southampton’s relegation, players such as Romeo Lavia, James Ward-Prowse, and Tino Livramento left the team. As a result of these departures, Southampton was able to recoup almost £160 million in revenue. Martin has been in communication with director of football Rasmus Ankersen regarding summer plans.
Onuachu’s time at Southampton is running up as he is expected to officially leave when the transfer window reopens, according to GMS sources. His impressive play on loan at Trabzonspor in Turkey did not convince Martin to give Onuachu a higher priority in his thoughts.
Over the course of 25 games for the Super Lig club, the striker scored 17 goals and added four assists, proving to be a constant threat following the decision to have him miss the season in order to prepare for a swift return to the Premier League with Saints.GMS sources have been told that Onuachu plans to have internal talks about his future after returning from Trabzonspor, but there’s a sense Martin is ready to cash in because it will be hard for him to pass players like Armstrong in the pecking order.
Almost eighteen months ago, Southampton paid £18 million to entice the six-foot-seven Nigerian international away from Genk. Despite this, he failed to prevent his new employers from relegating him to the Championship as he struggled to regain the form he had displayed in Belgium.
Despite only playing 426 minutes in 12 games while wearing a Saints shirt, Onuachu was goalless during that time. Most of his games were spent as substitutes, so it’s likely that he won’t play for the south coast team again as they are expected to consider summer offers.
Transfer insider Dean Jones recently told GMS that Southampton are in a “win-win situation” because the 30-year-old’s value has increased due to his prolific performances for Trabzonspor. If Martin decides to stick with him, he will also enter the upcoming season in excellent form.
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