The Nigerian star made a €18million move from Genk to Join Southampton during the January transfer window
KRC Genk midfielder, Joseph Paintsil, has commented on Paul Onuachu leaving Belgium to join Southampton during the summer transfer window, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 25-year-old Ghanaian believes that the Smurfs would have fared better this season had they retained the Nigerian international at the Luminus Arena for a little bit longer.
After scoring 16 goals in 19 appearances during the first half of the season, the 2,01 m tall centre striker signed with the Saints in the January transfer window for a sum of €18 million (£15.8 million) plus bonuses of around €3 million.
The Nigerian has failed to score in any of his nine games since joining St. Mary's and has battled with form and appearances since the transfer.
However, since Onuachu left the Belgian side, they have suffered, and according to his former comrade, if they had remained in the Blue-White, their distance from their nearest opponents would have widened.
According to Ghana SoccerNet, Paintsil said to Nieuwsblad, “If Onuachu were still here, we might have had a ten-point lead, and the playoffs wouldn't have to be played.”
The Super Eagles forward would be aiming to make his comeback when Ruben Selles' team travels to City Ground to play Nottingham Forest after being left out of the travelling team to St. James' Park to face Newcastle due to injury.
