Southampton lost a lot of players during last summer’s transfer window.
The Saints’ relegation from the Premier League caused many people to explore for other options.
Paul Onuachu was one of those who managed to secure such a relocation. The striker had only joined the club from Genk on the last day of the 2023 January transfer window.
However, over the summer, he left Southampton. That particular exit has led to the 29-year-old joining Trabzonspor on loan till the end of the season.
Now it appears the contract may be extended into a longer-term one.
Trabzonspor want permanent Paul Onuachu deal
Onuachu has impressed for Trabzonspor since completing his switch to Turkey. The striker has appeared in 16 games in all competitions for the club.
During that period, he has nine goals and three assists. This has propelled Trabzonspor to third position in the Turkish top flight table.
As a result, Trabzonspor appears to be planning a move to keep Onuachu at the club.
According to Turkish source Star, Trabzonspor is scheduled to hold negotiations with Southampton regarding extending the striker’s contract.
Trabzonspor is expected to try to reach an agreement with the Saints on a permanent basis first. If they are unable to do so, they will instead seek another loan.
Onuachu, for his part, appears to be trying to clinch a longer agreement with the Turkish
The striker’s contract with Southampton runs until the summer of 2026. That allows the Saints to negotiate any bids made for the 29-year-old.
Southampton should sanction permanent Paul Onuachu move
It would appear to make sense for the Saints to reach an agreement that allows Onuachu to leave permanently.
To be honest, the striker never seemed to fit in at St Mary’s. Indeed, in 12 games for Southampton, he did not score a single goal.
As a result, he is unlikely to have a significant impact on Russell Martin’s team if he returns.
The fact that he appears to be interested in joining Trabzonspor just adds to this. If he does not want to be in Southampton, keeping him there may not improve the atmosphere.
Agreeing on a permanent contract with Trabzonspor would also allow the Saints to reclaim part of the money they spent on Onuachu.
They might then be reinvested to bolster St Mary’s first-team squad. With that in mind, it would be surprising if Southampton are unable to strike an agreement with Trabzonspor on the permanent sale of Onuachu.
