Saudi Arabia’s Al-Okhdood launch sensational move to outmuscle Trabzonspor in race for Super Eagles star

Saudi Arabia’s Al-Okhdood have made a sensational move to sign Southampton and Nigeria striker Paul Onuachu, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Middle Eastern moneybags are looking to beat Turkish club Trabzonspor to Onuachu’s signature.

Onuachu joined Southampton from KRC Genk in January 2023 for €18 million but struggled, failing to score in 12 matches.

The former FC Midtjylland star’s was subsequently loaned to Trabzonspor last season, where he rediscovered his form, scoring 17 goals and assisting four in 25 games.

As Onuachu returned to Saints training, Southampton made it clear they want to sell him permanently.

Several Turkish clubs including Trabzonspor showed interest, but Al-Okhdood have now agreed personal terms with him and are working on the deal structure with Southampton, as reported by Arriyadiyah.

This move is a significant blow to Trabzonspor, who wanted to keep Onuachu after his successful loan spell but couldn’t meet his valuation.

Initially valued at €15 million, Southampton have reportedly reduced their asking price to €10 million.

Rasmus Ankersen, CEO of Sports Republic, Southampton’s owner, stated that Onuachu will be sold only at the right price amid interest from Trabzonspor and Al-Okhdood.

Ankersen emphasized that the club won’t sell Onuachu cheaply, comparing him to a Ferrari, saying, “If you want to buy a Ferrari, you cannot come up with Fiat money.”

Onuachu, 30, has played in Europe since 2012, with stints at FC Midtjylland, Vejle BK, and KRC Genk, where he scored 85 goals in 134 appearances and won the Belgian Golden Shoe in 2021.

He was also named Belgian Professional Footballer of the Year and claimed the Ebony Shoe the same year. Internationally, he was part of the Nigeria team that reached the 2023 AFCON final.