Confirmed: Nigeria’s Nwakaeme returns to Trabzonspor after two-year stint in Saudi Arabia

Turkish club Trabzonspor has announced the return of Nigerian forward Anthony Nwakaeme through a video on their social media channels, Soccernet.ng reports.

Nwakaeme, who first joined Trabzonspor in 2018, left in August 2022 for Saudi Arabian side Al Fayha. Now, nearly two years later, he is back in Turkey’s Süper Lig.

During his initial spell at Trabzonspor, Nwakaeme played 145 matches, scoring 47 goals and providing 40 assists.

He was instrumental in Trabzonspor’s 2022 league title win, their first in 38 years, scoring 15 goals and making 11 assists in 36 appearances that season.

The 34-year-old left Trabzonspor after four years, during which he also helped the club win the Turkish Cup and the Super Cup.

His departure led to a rift between the club’s board and the fans, who even erected a statue in his honour in 2021.

Nwakaeme moved to Al Fayha on a free transfer when his contract with Trabzonspor expired. In Saudi Arabia, he made 55 appearances, scoring 15 goals and providing 8 assists.

His contract with Al Fayha ends in June, and he will officially rejoin Trabzonspor on July 1st as a free agent.

Trabzonspor only finished third on the Super Lig table last season, behind title winners Galatasaray and Fenerbahce. 

This is despite the brilliance of Paul Onuachu in front of goal, with the Super Eagles striker adding a remarkable 15 goals and four assists in 21 league games to the cause. 

Onuachu, who was on loan at Trabzonspor from Southampton, could make a return to England to join the Saints who have gained promotion to the Premier League. 

With Trabzonspor looking to challenge for the league title next season, the Black Sea Storm could still convince Onuachu to remain in Turkey. 

If they succeed, the club could unleash Onuachu and Nwakaeme on the rest of the division, an attacking combo that could cause a lot of trouble to defenders.