Paul Onuachu: Juventus in late sensational move for Nigeria and Trabzonspor star

Juventus have made a dramatic late move for Nigeria striker Paul Onuachu, sounding out Trabzonspor over a deal that would bring the Super Lig’s joint top scorer to Turin before the transfer window closes, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Serie A side are searching urgently for attacking reinforcements after a run of injuries and slow adaptation among their forwards. Dušan Vlahović and Arkadiusz Milik are both sidelined with fitness issues, while summer arrivals Loïs Openda and Jonathan David are still struggling to impose themselves consistently in Italian football.

That situation has forced Juventus into the market, and attention has now turned to Onuachu, whose form in Turkey has been among the most eye-catching in Europe this season. The 29-year-old has scored 13 league goals for Trabzonspor and remains joint top scorer despite missing several weeks while representing Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Juventus’ interest also carries historical weight. The Turin giants have signed only two Nigerian players in their history, Sunday Oliseh in 1999 and Benjamin Onwuachi in 2004, and have not completed a deal for a Nigerian footballer in over two decades. Last summer, they were linked with Victor Osimhen before the Napoli striker joined Galatasaray.

Trabzonspor stance and Paul Onuachu’s appeal

Onuachu represents a very different attacking profile to Juventus’ current options. Standing at 2.01 metres, he combines physical dominance with surprising mobility, offering a direct threat in the penalty area and a reliable focal point against deep defensive blocks.

However, convincing Trabzonspor to part with one of their most influential players is proving difficult. Reports in Turkey suggest Juventus have submitted what has been described as a “significantly high” offer, one that surprised the Trabzonspor board.

Despite the financial appeal, club president Ertuğrul Doğan is understood to be reluctant to sell. With Trabzonspor pushing for the Super Lig title, Doğan reportedly believes replacing a striker of Onuachu’s quality so late in the window would be impossible without damaging their sporting ambitions.

Juventus had previously explored deals for Alexander Sørloth, Youssef En-Nesyri, John Durán and Mauro Icardi, but with those options unavailable, Onuachu has emerged as the most realistic solution.

From the player’s perspective, a move to Juventus could be tempting. The Italian club are competing in the Champions League play-off round, and a potential reunion with Luciano Spalletti, who previously worked with Osimhen at Napoli, adds further intrigue to a transfer that could yet define the final days of the window.