Paul Onuachu: 2 factors key to determine Super Eagles star’s next destination after Trabzonspor

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Paul Onuachu has been constantly linked with a move away from Trabzonspor after an excellent campaign that has caught the attention of clubs in Saudi Arabia and Germany, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Super Eagles striker is coming off an outstanding 2025-26 season with Trabzonspor, where he scored 22 league goals to finish as the Turkish Süper Lig’s joint-top scorer and helped the club lift the Turkish Cup.

Saudi Pro League giants Al-Ahli have been heavily linked with the 32-year-old forward, while Bundesliga sides Bayer Leverkusen, VfL Wolfsburg and Werder Bremen have also been credited with interest. Reports suggested Saudi clubs were prepared to significantly increase his salary, with some offers believed to be four or five times higher than his current earnings in Turkey.

Paul Onuachu
Paul Onuachu. Photo by IMAGO

However, fresh reports from Turkey indicate that Trabzonspor have effectively settled the issue for now. The Black Sea club sees Onuachu as a central figure in its plans for the 2026-27 campaign as it targets a serious challenge for the Süper Lig title. Despite growing interest from abroad, the club has reportedly shut the door on a major transfer move and is determined to keep its leading scorer at the club.

Two factors that could decide Paul Onuachu’s future

The first factor is Trabzonspor’s refusal to part with the Nigerian striker. Club president Ertuğrul Doğan has reportedly made his position clear by insisting that Paul Onuachu is not for sale.

With the striker under contract until June 2028, Trabzonspor are in a strong negotiating position and believe replacing a player of his quality would be extremely difficult. The club’s management views him as a key piece of its championship ambitions and is unwilling to weaken the attack ahead of the new season.

Paul Onuachu. Copyright: xAndrzejxIwanczukxIMAGO

The second factor is Onuachu’s own desire to remain in Trabzon. Despite constant transfer speculation, the former Genk star is said to be happy with life at the club and has not requested a move.

The Nigerian international has built a strong connection with the supporters and enjoyed one of the best seasons of his career in the Bordeaux-blue colours. Having shared the league’s top-scorer crown with Eldor Shomurodov, Onuachu is focused on pre-season preparations and eager to chase more success with Trabzonspor rather than seek a fresh challenge elsewhere.

With both club and player pulling in the same direction, Trabzonspor currently appear confident that their most important attacking weapon will remain in Turkey for another season.

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Imhonlamhen

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Eronmhonsele Imhonlamhen is a sports writer covering Nigeria, with 10+ years in sports media and a Reuters Digital Journalism certification. A bettor for over 15 years, he specialises in football odds and responsible gambling, and has used operators including Bet9ja, SportyBet, Nairabet and BetKing.