Paul Onuachu: Why Trabzonspor could sign another striker in January

Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu could be set for some fresh competition at Trabzonspor, with the Turkish club considering another striker ahead of the January transfer window.

The Nigerian forward enjoyed an excellent 2025/26 campaign, scoring 26 goals and providing two assists in 36 appearances across all competitions, and taking home the Turkish Super Lig Golden Boot.

However, he has struggled to maintain that standard this season, registering three goals and one assist in 13 games across all competitions.

His performances have now raised concerns within the club, with Turkish journalist Gökmen Şahin warning that the situation could become problematic if the striker does not improve.

Speaking on Haber61‘s Saha Kenarı programme, Şahin confirmed that Trabzonspor were discussing attacking reinforcements.

“Transfers for the attack are being discussed. Onuachu is worrying; if things continue like this, there could be problems,” he said.

Franculino’s injury exposed Trabzonspor’s need for depth

Onuachu’s difficulties coincided with an injury to Franculino Djú, who had made an impressive start to life at Trabzonspor before suffering a thigh problem.

The Guinea-Bissau international scored four league goals and provided two assists in his first six appearances, establishing himself as an important option as Onuachu’s woes continued.

His injury, sustained during the 4-3 victory over Rizespor on October 26, was expected to keep him out until after the November international break.

Onuachu subsequently returned to the starting line-up, but his lack of goals has left questions about whether Trabzonspor have sufficient firepower to sustain their challenge for the title, or whether they made the right choice in keeping him despite interest from Saudi clubs in the summer.

The club are currently second in the Süper Lig table, three points behind leaders Galatasaray after 11 matches. With ambitions of competing for the championship, relying on an inconsistent goalscoring return from their available forwards could become a concern.

Richarlison could rival Paul Onuachu in January

One name garnering attention in Trabzonspor’s camp is Tottenham Hotspur forward Richarlison.

According to Turkish outlet Gazete61, the club could revisit their interest in the Brazilian during the winter transfer window after exploring a possible move last summer.

The report, citing ESPN journalist Bruno Andrade, claims Trabzonspor are considering another approach, with Richarlison’s contract situation likely making a deal more affordable.

However, there is no confirmation that Tottenham have agreed to sell the forward or that a transfer is close, although the striker has played just two games this season after a fall-out with Coach DeZerbi.

A new arrival would inevitably increase competition for Onuachu, who must rediscover the form that made him one of the league’s most efficient strikers last season.

For now, the Nigerian still has an opportunity to change the conversation through his performances, but with Franculino’s fitness a concern and Trabzonspor targeting a title challenge, January could bring a significant change to the club’s attacking hierarchy.