Turkish Super Lig giants, Besiktas, have joined the race to sign Nigerian forward, Paul Onuachu, from Premier League side, Southampton, with Trabzonspor previously leading the chase for his signature.
Onuachu, who had a successful loan spell at Trabzonspor last season, was expected to return to the club, but fresh reports from Turkey suggest that Besiktas has now stepped in with concrete plans to hijack the deal.
Despite Southampton’s struggles in the Premier League, Onuachu has managed to stand out, recently netting four goals and proving his worth to potential suitors.
The towering striker made a significant impact during his loan spell at Trabzonspor last season, scoring 17 goals in 25 appearances across all competitions, which initially prompted the club to pursue a permanent deal.
However, negotiations between Trabzonspor and Southampton hit a snag over the striker’s valuation, with the Premier League club demanding €15m for his services.
Trabzonspor president, Ertuğrul Doğan, had previously made it clear that the club would not meet Southampton’s asking price for the 30-year-old Nigerian international.
“Onuachu was a player who played for us on loan last season. His club insistently demands around €15m. We offered €8m with bonuses,” Doğan was quoted as saying by Turkish outlet Tivibu Spor.
“Trabzonspor cannot give €15m to a football player right now. A player is 20-22 years old; it is our coach’s request, and then it will be considered. However, Trabzonspor cannot make such an offer to a 30-year-old player. The last 2-3 days. The situation is clear. We will wait and see.”
Despite being under contract with Southampton until June 2026, Onuachu’s future remains uncertain. The Saints returned to the Premier League last season and are keen to offload several players loaned out during their Championship campaign.
Besiktas’ entry into the race for Onuachu’s signature now presents a new dimension to the transfer saga, with the club reportedly ready to meet Southampton’s valuation.
Other Turkish clubs, including Fenerbahce and Southampton’s sister club, Goztepe, have also shown interest in the Nigerian forward, but the battle now appears to be between Besiktas and Trabzonspor.
