“Close to €20m” – Trabzonspor chief responds to Super Eagles star’s transfer

Trabzonspor president Ertugrul Doğan has addressed speculation surrounding the future of Super Eagles forward Paul Onuachu amid reported interest ahead of the summer transfer window, Soccernet.ng reports.

Onuachu has emerged as a major transfer target ahead of the window, with interest coming mainly from Saudi Arabia. Al Ahli are reportedly eyeing him as a replacement for Ivan Toney, who could leave the club this summer as he considers a return to European football.

The 32-year-old returned to Trabzonspor for a second spell last summer after spending the 2023–24 season on loan at the club.

He enjoyed a stunning campaign last season, scoring 26 goals across all competitions, with 22 of those coming in the Turkish league, where he jointly won the Turkish Golden Boot alongside Istanbul Basaksehir striker Eldor Shomurodov and also won the Super Lig Goal of the Season award.

The Nigerian forward also scored twice as Trabzonspor ended the season with silverware following their 2-1 win over Konyaspor in the Turkish Cup final last month.

Trabzonspor provide update on Paul Onuachu’s future

Super Eagles forward Paul Onuachu continues to attract interest ahead of the summer transfer window, with reports suggesting strong interest from Saudi Arabia.

Onuachu is still under contract at Trabzonspor until 2028, with the club holding an option to extend for another year and they are not under pressure to sell, given the length of his contract.

Speaking during an interview, club president Ertugrul Doğan has now revealed that the club have no intention of selling the Nigerian striker, adding that they have already rejected an offer for him.

“There is an offer for Paul Onuachu, but he loves the club and does not intend to leave”, Doğan said, as quoted by Fanatik.

“An offer of close to €20 million came for Paul Onuachu, we did not accept.”

What next for Onuachu?

Onuachu enjoyed an impressive loan spell during the 2023–24 season at Trabzonspor before returning permanently from Southampton last summer.

He has since taken his chance in style, delivering a superb goalscoring form last season, which has attracted growing interest ahead of the summer window.

One of his key strengths remains his aerial ability, which has made him a constant threat from crosses and set pieces and is one major reason why several clubs want to secure his services ahead of next season.

However, Trabzonspor have maintained a firm stance on keeping him, while Onuachu himself is understood to be happy at the club beyond this summer.

While their position appears firm, things could still change before the window closes, especially if a very substantial offer arrives that the club finds difficult to refuse, as the funds could be used to fund reinforcements in other areas as they aim to challenge Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe for the league title next season.

For now, Onuachu is preparing to feature for the Super Eagles against Portugal in an international friendly today before returning to Trabzonspor, where further decisions on his future are expected to be made ahead of the transfer window.