Turkish Super Lig club Besiktas are looking to bolster their attack this summer, and Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu is one of the options they are looking at, Soccernet.ng reports.
Onuachu made quite an impression during his season-long loan stint at former champions Trabzonspor last season. The Super Eagles star contributed 17 goals and four assists in 25 appearances for Trabzonspor while he was there, and since he returned to Southampton, he has been continuously linked with a move to the Super Lig.
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During the January transfer window, he was also linked with a move there, but nothing happened. However, now that Southampton have been relegated from the Premier League, he could just be on the move as they will be looking to downsize to keep their books balanced.
According to reports from Fanatik, Besiktas have named Onuachu as one of their top targets heading into the summer transfer market. The club also has eyes on out-of-favour Barcelona star Ansu Fati, who has been starved of game time by coach Hansi Flick. Aside from Onuachu and Fati, Besiktas are also interested in Patrick Berg and Samuel Dahl.
Onuachu still has two years left on his deal, so Southampton would only accept top dollar for him. As of last summer, the Saints wanted 15 million for his services. But now that they have been relegated, Onuachu is older, and his goal returns have reduced; they might accept a lesser fee.
Why it might be difficult for Besiktas to get Paul Onuachu
Besiktas would be able to afford Paul Onuachu’s wages as they are one of the biggest and richest clubs in Turkey. However, during his time in Turkey, Onuachu played for Trabzonspor, who are Besiktas’ Istanbul rivals. So, signing for Besiktas would incur the wrath of Trabzonspor fans due to the relationship that exists between them.
Also, Onuachu is already in his 30s, and most players would prefer to choose the highest bidder at this point in their career. If a Saudi Arabian Pro League club throws good money at him, he would likely choose them.
Nonetheless, the summer transfer window opens in just over two months, and the Super Eagles star will make his decision.
