Onuachu: How Trabzonspor’s move for Muriqi could shape Super Eagles star’s future

Turkish club Trabzonspor could face a major decision regarding the future of Super Eagles star Paul Onuachu in the coming days, Afrik-Foot reports.

The 32-year-old rejoined Trabzonspor from Southampton last summer for a second spell after previously spending time at the club on loan. However, his future has become increasingly uncertain due to the growing transfer interest he has attracted following an impressive campaign last season.

There has been interest in the Nigerian striker particularly from Saudi Arabia. AFC Champions League winners Al Ahli are considering reinforcements amid uncertainty surrounding England forward Ivan Toney, who has reportedly expressed a desire to return to Europe.

Onuachu enjoyed an outstanding season with the Black Sea Storm, scoring 26 goals across all competitions. He scored 22 of those goals in the Turkish Super Lig, where he finished as the joint top scorer alongside Istanbul Basaksehir striker Eldor Shomurodov.

The Super Eagles star also scored twice in Trabzonspor’s 2-1 victory over Konyaspor in the Turkish Cup final last month, helping the club secure silverware and also capping off an excellent individual campaign.

Trabzonspor join race for Vedat Muriqi amid Onuachu uncertainty 

According to reports, Trabzonspor have entered the race to sign Kosovo international Vedat Muriqi from Spanish side Mallorca ahead of the summer transfer window.

Muriqi has been one of Mallorca’s standout performers since joining the club in 2022. He enjoyed another productive campaign last season, scoring 23 goals, although his efforts were ultimately not enough to prevent the club from suffering relegation from La Liga.

The striker’s goalscoring pedigree is well established, and his previous experience in the Turkish Super Lig also makes him an attractive option for Trabzonspor and he would require little time to adapt and make an impact.

Although Muriqi remains under contract until 2029, Mallorca’s relegation has fuelled speculation that he could seek a move elsewhere as he looks to continue competing at the highest level.

However, Trabzonspor will face competition from other clubs for the signature of the forward. Turkish rivals Fenerbahce are looking to resign the Kosovo forward after a previous stint, while Spanish giants Barcelona have also been linked a move.

Where does this leave Onuachu?

Paul Onuachu has been strongly linked with a move to Saudi Arabia in recent weeks. Trabzonspor president Ertugrul Dogan recently revealed that the club had already rejected an offer worth close to €20 million for the Nigerian striker.

Despite that, Trabzonspor are expected to receive further bids, and a more improved offer could be difficult to turn down. That sale would provide the club with funds that could be reinvested across the squad as they aim to challenge Galatasaray for the Turkish Super Lig title next season.

However, Onuachu’s departure would depend on Trabzonspor’s pursuit of Muriqi. Even if an offer meets their valuation, the Black Sea Storm would first need to secure a suitable replacement and Muriqi has emerged as their preferred target.

If they can successfully reach an agreement with Mallorca, Onuachu could be allowed to complete a move to Saudi Arabia.

For now, Onuachu remains a Trabzonspor player. However, developments are expected in the coming days, which could determine whether the Super Eagles star stays in Turkey or embarks on the next chapter of his career.