Fenerbahçe transfer news: 3 reasons Paul Onuachu is worth Trabzonspor’s record €30m asking price

Trabzonspor have made their position on Paul Onuachu very clear after placing a €30 million asking price on the Super Eagles striker, Afrik-Foot reports.

This is even as interest continues to grow around the Nigeria international from Fenerbahçe, Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli and Turkish rivals Beşiktaş.

The Turkish Cup winners are determined to keep the Süper Lig’s reigning goal-king unless a club is willing to meet what would be the biggest transfer sale in Trabzonspor’s history. Club vice-president Zeyyat Kafkas recently stressed that the management has no intention of breaking up the squad before the start of the 2026-27 campaign, insisting that only an exceptional offer would make them reconsider.

Trabzonspor are not under financial pressure to sell because Onuachu remains under contract until June 2028. That has strengthened their negotiating position throughout the summer.

The former Southampton striker’s valuation has doubled during the transfer window. Earlier reports suggested Trabzonspor could listen to offers around €15 million, but the club changed its stance after rejecting several bids believed to be worth between €20 million and €25 million. Club officials have now informed interested teams that negotiations will only begin at €30 million.

Fenerbahçe have emerged as the strongest contender for the 32-year-old as they continue rebuilding their squad for another title challenge. The Istanbul giants see Onuachu as the missing piece in attack after another busy transfer window.

Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli are also trying to tempt the experienced striker with a lucrative contract reportedly worth around three times his current salary, while Beşiktaş continue monitoring developments but have yet to submit an offer matching those of the leading contenders.

Why Fenerbahçe want Onuachu so badly

Trabzonspor’s valuation is backed by Onuachu’s outstanding performances last season. After completing a permanent move from Southampton before the 2025-26 campaign, the Nigerian enjoyed the finest season of his career in Turkey.

He finished as the joint-top scorer in the Turkish Süper Lig with 22 league goals alongside Eldor Shomurodov. Across all competitions, he scored 26 goals in 36 appearances and played a major role as Trabzonspor lifted the Turkish Cup.

Those numbers explain why Fenerbahçe are prepared to consider one of the biggests transfer in the club’s history.

If the Istanbul club agree to pay the full €30 million asking price, Onuachu would be Fenerbahçe’s second most expensive signing ever. Only Mason Greenwood’s reported €39 million move would rank higher, while the Nigerian would move ahead of Mattéo Guendouzi (€28 million), Kerem Aktürkoğlu (€22.5 million) and Youssef En-Nesyri (€19.5 million).

The transfer would also become the third most expensive in Turkish football history. Only Victor Osimhen’s €75 million move to Galatasaray and Greenwood’s arrival at Fenerbahçe would involve higher transfer fees.

Beyond his goals, Onuachu offers qualities that perfectly suit Fenerbahçe’s style of play. Standing at 2.01 metres (6ft 7in), he is among Europe’s most dominant aerial forwards and would give the team a major threat from crosses, corners and free-kicks. His physical strength also allows him to hold up the ball, bring teammates into play and create space for attacking players around him.

Perhaps his most important advantage is that he already understands Turkish football. Having spent two intermittent seasons in the Süper Lig, Onuachu knows the league’s physical demands, the defenders he will face and the pressure that comes with playing in high-profile matches. That means he would require little time to settle if he completes a move to Fenerbahçe.

However, Trabzonspor remain in control. Unless one of the interested clubs is willing to match the €30 million valuation, the Super Eagles striker looks set to remain in Trabzon.