Key reason Paul Onuachu has yet to agree to Trabzonspor exit

Paul Onuachu’s summer has been defined by waiting for Trabzonspor to decide his future amidst interest from Saudi Arabian clubs, Afrik Foot reports.

The Super Eagles striker finished 2025-26 as the highest-scoring Nigerian player in Europe, scoring 22 goals in the Turkish Super Lig to win the Golden Boot while also delivering the decisive brace in Trabzonspor’s Turkish Cup final victory over Konyaspor.

His performances drew sustained interest from Al Ahli and Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia, with multiple offers arriving at Papara Park throughout the summer, all of them rejected by president Ertuğrul Doğan, who maintained publicly that no bid of around €20 million is sufficient to prise away the lanky striker.

Takagazete states that Al Hilal are preparing an offer in excess of €20 million and have made direct contact with Onuachu’s representatives, a development that prompted Trabzonspor to file a complaint with FIFA over the alleged approach.

Simultaneously, Haber 61 revealed that Trabzonspor have initiated contacts over the potential addition of Tolu Arokodare, as a striking option for the new season.

Rafiu Durosinmi, who idolises Onuachu, has also been linked with a move to Trabzonspor. Both developments suggest Trabzonspor are planning for a future that could involve Onuachu’s departure.

The key reason Paul Onuachu has yet to agree to Trabzonspor exit

The central reason Paul Onuachu has not yet agreed to leave Trabzonspor is clear. Playing in Europe remains his preference, and the Saudi Pro League does not represent the destination he wants for this stage of his career.

Reports in Turkey have consistently indicated that Onuachu himself has not pushed for a move and has not insisted on staying, playing to both sides.

The Super Eagles striker is 32 years old, entering what are realistically the final two or three years of his career at the highest level, and the decision about where he plays next carries consequences not just financially but for his legacy and his international career.

Nigeria’s AFCON 2027 qualification campaign begins in September, and a striker who moves to the Saudi Pro League, however lucrative the contract, could mean an end to his Super Eagles career.

Onuachu’s record in Turkey last season demonstrates he can still perform at a high level in Europe, and in turn, keep himself in line for Eric Chelle’s selection, alongside a forward line that includes Victor Osimhen, Akor Adams and the emerging Rafiu Durosinmi. Moving to Saudi Arabia would not enhance that argument. It would suspend it, or possibly kill it.

For Trabzonspor, the dynamic is equally complex. They rejected €20 million bids because they believe Onuachu is worth more and because they need him to compete for the Super Lig title and Conference League football next season.

The club’s interest in Arokodare and Durosinmi suggests they are not entirely opposed to an exit if the price is right, but clubs have submitted an offer that makes both the club’s financial ambitions and Onuachu’s career priorities align.

Until it does, the striker will report for pre-season, train with his teammates, and wait for a move that serves him on his own terms, or prepare for a Turkish Super Lig campaign that’ll see the Black Sea Storm challenge Galatasaray for the league title.