Super Eagles news: Is this ₦31bn-valued Nigerian star the perfect replacement for Paul Onuachu?

​Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu has been linked with a move away from Trabzonspor this summer following an impressive campaign, Afrik-Foot reports.

​Onuachu joined the Black Sea Storm on loan from English side Southampton and enjoyed a remarkable debut season.

He was instrumental in helping the club secure a third-place finish in the Süper Lig and guided them to a Turkish Cup triumph. Across all competitions, Onuachu was directly involved in 28 goals (26 goals and two assists) in 36 appearances.

​Given his standout performances, the striker has attracted significant interest from clubs including Fenerbahçe, Saudi side Al-Ahli, and several teams within Europe’s top five leagues.

A move to the Saudi Pro League currently appears most likely, as the club is reportedly offering a lucrative mega deal that would represent the highest paycheck of his career.

​Consequently, Trabzonspor has already begun searching for a replacement. According to reports in the Turkish media, the club has identified Tolu Arokodare as a primary target. However, it remains to be seen whether he can effectively fill the void left by Onuachu.

​Is Tolu Arokodare the Right Choice?

​Tolu Arokodare has been strongly linked with a move to Trabzonspor, though the transfer could prove complex.

​The Nigerian striker is currently under contract with Wolverhampton Wanderers. But it is widely expected that he will depart Molineux this summer following a disappointing debut campaign that culminated in the club’s relegation.

While Arokodare struggled for consistency — registering only six goals and two assists in 38 appearances — his track record and raw potential remain compelling.

​His struggles at Wolves can perhaps be attributed to the team’s overall poor form. His tenure at his previous club, Genk, was significantly more productive, where he recorded 41 goals and 12 assists in 113 appearances.

​Arokodare has several characteristics similar to Onuachu, making him a logical successor. Both are physically imposing strikers who excel at dominating the penalty area and posing a significant aerial threat, though Onuachu holds a slight height advantage.

Also, Arokodare is technically proficient with his feet and is a capable dribbler. Although Onuachu is currently the grittier of the two, Arokodare’s physical profile suggests he could develop that aspect of his game with the right coaching.

​The Financial Hurdle: Can Trabzonspor Afford Arokodare?

​If Onuachu leaves, Trabzonspor are expected to recoup approximately €6 million. However, this is significantly lower than Arokodare’s current market valuation of €20 million (roughly ₦31 billion) on Transfermarkt.

​It may be difficult for the Turkish club to justify such a substantial investment, particularly given that Arokodare has yet to prove himself consistently at the highest level. Additionally, the club has other recruitment priorities as they look to build a squad that can compete in the UEFA Europa League.

​As a result, Trabzonspor will likely pursue a loan deal. It remains to be seen whether Wolves would be amenable to such an arrangement, especially as Arokodare still has three years remaining on his contract. The situation promises to be one of the more interesting transfer sagas of the summer.