Former Turkish Super Lig champions, Trabzonspor are intensifying efforts to secure Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu from Southampton.

The 30-year-old has been closely linked with a return to Trabzonspor following a successful loan spell last season, where he was directly involved in 21 goals across 25 games scoring 17 goals and providing four assists.

Onuachu’s future has been one of the hottest topics in this summer’s transfer window, alongside stars like Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen, largely due to his uncertain situation at Southampton.

Trabzonspor’s New Offer

In light of Onuachu’s impressive performances last season, Trabzonspor have been negotiating with Southampton to sign him permanently.

However, these negotiations have been challenging, with both clubs going back and forth over the terms.

Initially, Southampton valued the former Genk striker at €15 million but have since signaled a willingness to accept as low as €11 million.

In a new twist, Turkish outlet Aspor reports that Trabzonspor are now prepared to meet Southampton’s demands.

The club has reportedly offered €7.5 million for Onuachu, as they continue their search for a top-class center forward.

This bid, if accepted, would be the highest in Trabzonspor’s history, surpassing the €6.90 million they paid for Ghanaian striker Majeed Waris in 2014 and the €6.20 million for Turkey’s Gökhan Ünal in 2008.

Should the deal go through, Onuachu will become the most expensive signing in Trabzonspor’s history.

This significant investment underscores the club’s belief in the striker, who is also eager to make his return to Turkey permanent.

With the Turkish transfer window open until mid-September, Trabzonspor still have time to finalize the deal.

Future in Limbo

Meanwhile, Aspor reports that Onuachu’s agent has begun pressuring Southampton, emphasizing that a resolution on his client’s future is urgently needed.

There are growing hopes that Southampton will eventually accept Trabzonspor’s offer.

Despite participating in preseason with Southampton, it’s becoming increasingly clear that Onuachu may not be in the club’s plans for the 2024/25 season.

The Nigerian international was absent from Southampton’s matchday squad in their recent 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest, as well as in their opener against Newcastle United.

Onuachu, who enjoyed an excellent season with Trabzonspor, has expressed a desire to return to the Turkish side.

Trabzonspor manager Abdullah Avcı recently confirmed this saying, “We spoke to Paul Onuachu three or four days ago; he also wants to be with us,” as quoted by A Spor.