Paul Onuachu: How Al-Hilal interest is affecting striker’s goalscoring numbers

Paul Onuachu’s decision to remain at Trabzonspor appeared to bring an end to the uncertainty surrounding his future, but his form on the pitch might hint otherwise, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Super Eagles striker had attracted interest from Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal during the summer, but ultimately chose to continue his career in Turkey, where he enjoyed a prolific campaign.

However, his performances at the start of the new campaign have raised questions over whether the transfer speculation has truly disappeared from his mind.

Onuachu has failed to score in Trabzonspor’s opening three matches across all competitions, a significant contrast to the form that saw him finish last season as one of the Süper Lig’s leading goalscorers.

Onuachu’s numbers tell a different story

The 32-year-old scored 22 goals and provided two assists in 30 Super Lig appearances last season, becoming one of the most important players in Fatih Tekke’s side.

His goals were particularly important as Trabzonspor secured European football, with the Nigerian providing the focal point around which much of their attacking play was built.

The beginning of this season, however, has been very quiet. Onuachu drew a blank against Kasımpaşa and İstanbul Başakşehir before failing to find the net against Ferencváros in the Europa League qualifiers.

Three matches without a goal is hardly enough to suggest a crisis, especially this early in the campaign, but the timing is noteworthy given the uncertainty that surrounded his future throughout the summer.

The run also stretches back to his pre-season appearances, meaning the lanky striker hasn’t scored in seven games.

Could Al-Hilal interest be affecting Onuachu?

Turkish football pundit Okan Çıtlak believes it is possible. Speaking to Haber61, Çıtlak explained that players can struggle to maintain complete focus when lucrative offers arrive during the transfer window.

“We experienced the same situation last season in August. Players going through transfer periods experience some confusion,” he said.

“Especially when high transfer offers come in, confusion inevitably arises. I think a similar scenario could happen with Onuachu.”

The argument is relevant to Onuachu because the striker had already publicly explained why he rejected the possibility of leaving Trabzonspor.

He described his relationship with the club and the city as something that went beyond football, insisting that his decision was not simply about money.

Yet, making a decision and mentally settling into that decision are not necessarily the same thing.

Onuachu may have chosen Trabzonspor, but knowing that other clubs were prepared to offer significantly more could still have introduced an element of distraction during pre-season and the opening weeks of the campaign.

The transfer window could hold the answer

With the summer window approaching its conclusion, Onuachu may soon have the clarity that Çıtlak believes he needs.

If the speculation disappears completely, the Nigerian can concentrate on rebuilding the sharpness that made him so effective last season.

That could also be important for Nigeria. The Super Eagles are preparing for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, and Eric Chelle will need his experienced forwards in the best possible condition.

Onuachu’s slow start is therefore not yet a concern, but it is certainly something to monitor.

He chose Trabzonspor over a potentially lucrative move to Saudi Arabia. Now, the Nigerian must show that the decision has not come at the expense of the goals that made him the Golden Boot winner last season.