Super Eagles news: Two conditions Al Hilal must meet to sign Paul Onuachu from Trabzonspor

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Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal are considering a summer move for Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu from Trabzonspor, Afrik-Foot reports.

Onuachu’s future at Trabzonspor remains uncertain heading into the transfer window, with interest in the 32-year-old continuing to grow after an outstanding campaign in Turkey.

The Nigerian forward enjoyed the best season of his career, scoring 26 goals in all competitions, with 22 of those strikes coming in the Turkish Super Lig, where he finished as the league’s joint top scorer alongside Istanbul Basaksehir forward Eldor Shomurodov.

One of his goals was voted the Super Lig Goal of the Season, while he also scored twice in Trabzonspor’s 2-1 victory over Konyaspor in the Turkish Cup final to help the Black Sea Storm lift silverware.

Paul Onuachu, Anthony Nwakaeme and Chibuike Nwaiwu at Trabzonspor
Paul Onuachu, Anthony Nwakaeme and Nwaiwu at Trabzonspor. (Credit: AF NG)

Although Trabzonspor are reluctant to part ways with one of their most influential players, a significant offer could persuade the Turkish club to reconsider their stance.

According to Transfermarkt, Al Hilal have now joined the race for Onuachu’s signature after Al Ahli were previously linked with the Super Eagles forward and the Saudi giants are exploring the possibility of a move ahead of the new season.

Onuachu: How Al Hilal could seal Super Eagles star’s transfer

Al Hilal are expected to be in the market for attacking reinforcements amid uncertainty surrounding the future of Uruguayan striker Darwin Nunez, with Onuachu identified as a potential replacement.

However, there are certain conditions that must be met before the transfer can materialize.

The first hurdle is Trabzonspor’s valuation. The Turkish club are demanding around €15 million before they would consider selling Onuachu this summer.

AFCON 2025 in Morocco Victor Osimhen & Paul Onuachu wearing the Nike retro jersey before the Tanzania clash
Victor Osimhen and Paul Onuachu. Copyright: IMAGOxSulaimanxPoojaxAdebayox

Given the financial strength of Saudi Pro League clubs, meeting that valuation is unlikely to be a major obstacle for Al Hilal. In addition, the club are capable of offering the Super Eagles forward a lucrative contract that could tempt him to make the switch.

Agreeing personal terms with the striker and matching Trabzonspor’s asking price would put Al Hilal in a strong position to complete the deal.

Even if both clubs agree on a transfer fee, Trabzonspor are unlikely to sanction Onuachu’s departure without first securing a suitable replacement.

The Nigerian striker’s goals were crucial to the club’s success last season, and replacing that level of productivity will be a priority before they allow him to leave.

Super Eagles and Trabzonspor striker Paul Onuachu
Super Eagles and Trabzonspor striker Paul Onuachu. Photo by Thor Wegner/IMAGO

Trabzonspor have already explored a move for fellow Nigerian striker Rafiu Durosinmi from Italian side Pisa as they search for a long-term successor. The club are also monitoring other attacking options, although Durosinmi remains one of their preferred targets.

If Trabzonspor successfully complete a deal for a replacement and Al Hilal also meet their financial demands, the path would be clear for Onuachu to complete a move to the Saudi Pro League before the start of next season.

<!-- Author Start -->Ayomide Oguntimehin<!-- Author End -->

Ayomide Oguntimehin

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Ayomide Oguntimehin is a CAF-accredited sports journalist and Editor at Soccernet.ng & Afrik Foot. Ayomide has worked with Sports Brief, Naija News and served as Social Lead Editor at Legit.ng. He has also featured on Goal, TVC News, Sports Mole, Topmercato, and Milan News24, among others. He holds a master’s degree and is currently pursuing a PhD. Follow Ayomide on X: @ayo_oguntimehin.