Trabzonspor have made significant progress in their bid to re-sign Nigerian striker Paul Onuachu, with the Turkish side prioritising his return as their top attacking target ahead of pre-season, footynaija.com reports.
The 30-year-old Super Eagles forward, who holds the record for the fastest goal ever scored for Nigeria — just 10 seconds into a 2019 friendly against Egypt — enjoyed a successful loan spell at Trabzonspor last season.
The club is now working to secure a permanent deal with Southampton, where Onuachu has one year left on his contract, as per Fanatik.
With loan striker Simon Banza set to return to Braga and Göztepe pricing Romulo at €15 million, Trabzonspor have turned firmly back to Onuachu. Club officials believe Southampton’s initial asking price has started to drop, and they hope to finalise the deal before the squad begins their July training camp.
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Onuachu, who stands at 2.01 metres, became a fan favourite in Trabzon after his strong performances during the 2023-24 campaign. The club has reportedly maintained contact with the player throughout the year, with his family also said to have settled well in the city.
Capped for Nigeria at senior level since 2019, Onuachu featured in the Super Eagles’ run to the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations that year. His potential return to Turkey would be a major boost for Trabzonspor’s ambitions in the upcoming season.