Super Eagles star Paul Onuachu has ended months of transfer speculation by confirming he has no intention of leaving Trabzonspor, Soccernet.ng reports.
Onuachu’s decision comes despite receiving lucrative offers from Turkish rivals, Saudi Arabia and interest from Germany.
The Nigeria international has been a darling of several top clubs in the transfer market after enjoying the best season of his career last term. The 32-year-old scored 22 goals in 30 Süper Lig matches to finish as the league’s joint-top scorer and inspired Trabzonspor to Turkish Cup glory.
His incredible form attracted some of the biggest clubs in Türkiye. Fenerbahçe reportedly tabled an official €20 million offer plus forward Oğuz Aydın in an attempt to convince Trabzonspor to sell. Galatasaray, where fellow Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen plays, also entered the race and were said to be hoping Osimhen could persuade his international teammate to make the switch to the reigning league champions.
Beşiktaş were also credited with interest in the Super Eagles forward, while Saudi Pro League clubs Al-Ahli and Al Hilal prepared massive financial offers. Reports claimed Al-Ahli were ready to increase Onuachu’s salary by four or even five times, while Trabzonspor accused the Saudi club of approaching the player without the club’s permission and reported the matter to FIFA.
Interest also came from Germany, with Bayer Leverkusen, Wolfsburg and Werder Bremen all following the experienced striker’s situation.
Despite the attention from some of football’s biggest spenders, Onuachu made it clear that his heart never left Trabzon.
“There was interest from various sources,” Onuachu told the Star. “There were clubs from Türkiye that wanted me. There were very serious offers. However, my heart didn’t want to go anywhere other than Trabzon. The city, the fans, and the atmosphere here give me a different feeling and courage.”
Trabzonspor remain in a strong negotiating position because Onuachu is under contract until 2028. The club values him between €25 million and €30 million and has already rejected offers ranging from €11 million to €20 million, refusing to strengthen domestic rivals unless their asking price is met.
Super Eagles star Onuachu explains emotional decision
Staying at Trabzonspor was never just about football for Onuachu. It was about returning to a place where he believes he truly belongs.
The Nigerian striker revealed he fought hard to complete his move back to the club after leaving Southampton, insisting Trabzonspor was his only destination.
“From the moment I arrived, this city gave me the feeling that ‘This is where I belong.’ I worked very hard to rejoin, but in the end, the clubs are the decision-makers. You have to respect the clubs’ decisions.”
He added that his belief never changed throughout the negotiations.
“I told myself that joining here and playing for Trabzonspor was destiny. It was part of my fate. And I never gave up on that belief. I showed my desire to join Trabzonspor.”
The former Genk striker admitted he had only one destination in mind if he was going to leave Southampton.
“If I left Southampton, it would either be Trabzonspor or nowhere at all. I always maintained this desire. I had a different connection with this place. From the moment I first set foot here, I felt very happy.”
Onuachu also spoke about the close relationships he has built within the club.
“I have a special connection with the club. I’ve also formed a special bond with the president and vice-presidents. I’m glad I chose this place. When I was leaving Southampton, I said it would either be Trabzonspor or nowhere else. I’m glad I came here.”
His performances last season showed exactly why so many clubs wanted him.
Across all competitions, Onuachu registered 28 goals and two assists in 43 appearances for club and country. He won the Süper Lig Golden Boot and lifted the Turkish Cup, where he netted four goals in six games, including a decisive brace in Trabzonspor’s 2-1 victory over Konyaspor in the final. During the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, Onuachu scored once in five appearances as Nigeria claimed the bronze medal.
