Besiktas' attempt to strengthen their attack by signing Super Eagles forward Paul Onuachu for the next football season has been thwarted due to the high value placed on the burly striker.
Besiktas, after finishing sixth in the 2023/24 Super Lig season, aim to bolster their team by identifying Onuachu as the player who can elevate them to compete at the highest level.
The 29-year-old has made a significant impact in Turkey, playing a pivotal role in Trabzonspor's climb to third place in the league standings.
Onuachu joined the Turkish outfit on a season-long loan in September 2023, replacing Uruguayan player Maxi Gomez, who failed to impress at the start of the season and was subsequently loaned to Spain's Cadiz.
Despite a seven-week absence due to a left arm fracture, the Nigeria international has managed to contribute 17 goals and four assists in 25 games across all competitions this season, emerging as the club's top scorer.
What is Onuachu's market value?
According to Takvim as per Fotomac, Besiktas management reached out to Southampton to inquire about the Nigerian forward.
However, it was revealed that Southampton have set a price of €15 million for Onuachu, causing the Turkish club to retreat.
There are discussions that Besiktas might consider reopening negotiations with the English club once their coach is appointed.
What next for the Super Eagles forward?
Onuachu finds himself at a crossroads in his career as Southampton reportedly look to offload him after a disappointing stint in the Premier League.
The striker, who joined Southampton from Genk in February 2023, struggled to make an impact, failing to score in his 11 league appearances as the club faced relegation to the Championship.
Now, Southampton have set an asking price of €15 million for the Nigerian, hoping to recoup a significant portion of the £18 million they spent on him over a year ago.
In contrast, Trabzonspor, where Onuachu spent the previous season on loan, are prepared to offer €10 million (£8.6 million) for his permanent transfer.
As things stand now, it is unclear whether the Saints will be willing to accept any offer below their asking price.
Onuachu, who is currently with the Super Eagles team on international duty, has a contract with the newly-promoted English Premier League club that ends in 2026.
