Trabzonspor president Ertuğrul Doğan has accused Southampton of blocking Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu’s permanent move to the club.

Onuachu was a standout performer during his loan spell at Trabzonspor last season, scoring 17 goals and providing four assists in 25 appearances.

His impact prompted the Turkish club to push for a permanent deal, but negotiations with Southampton have stalled.

Southampton’s Changing Demands

In a recent statement, Doğan expressed frustration over Southampton’s shifting demands, revealing that the English club repeatedly raised their asking price, making a deal impossible for Trabzonspor.

Speaking to A Spor, he detailed the negotiations

“We had agreed with Onuachu. We’re still seeing each other. Southampton asked for seven million, and we gave them that. Then they asked for ten, we went up to nine with bonuses, and suddenly they increased the asking fee to fifteen million.

Paul Onuachu. (Photo by Matt Watson/Southampton FC via Getty Images)

So, they weren’t going to give him to us. Therefore, we won’t force a deal somewhere else. If it is not on our terms, we will not be able to make this transfer.”

With the Turkish transfer window open until February 11, Trabzonspor, along with Besiktas, still has a week to push for a deal. However, Southampton appears unwilling to let Onuachu leave mid-season.

Onuachu’s Future at Southampton

Onuachu remains contracted to Southampton until June 2026 and has made 16 appearances this season, scoring twice. His latest goal came in a 2-1 victory over Ipswich Town.

With Southampton battling for promotion in the English Championship, they are reluctant to part ways with the Nigerian striker, seeing him as a crucial option for the second half of the season.