Transfer: Will Trabzonspor block Paul Onuachu from earning more than Victor Osimhen?

Paul Onuachu could have become one of the highest-paid African footballers if his proposed move to Saudi Arabia had gone through, Afrik-Foot reports.

According to Turkish outlet Sporx, Saudi Pro League club Al Ahli reached an agreement with the Nigerian striker over personal terms, offering him an incredible salary worth around €22 million per year.

However, Trabzonspor, who are eyeing Samuel Chukwueze, have reportedly refused to approve the transfer despite receiving a lucrative offer. The Turkish club are also said to have taken the matter to FIFA, accusing Al Ahli of speaking to the player without first getting permission.

Al Ahli’s monstrous offer would have changed Onuachu’s career

According to the report, Al Ahli offered the 32-year-old striker a contract worth around €450,000 every week, which adds up to approximately €22 million annually.

That would represent an enormous increase from the €2 million per season Onuachu currently earns at Trabzonspor. In simple terms, his yearly wages would have increased by around 11 times.

The Nigerian forward only joined Trabzonspor permanently from Southampton in a €5.67 million deal after impressing during his loan spell in Turkey. His contract with the club, who are also blocking Chibuike Nwaiwu from leaving for Fulham, reportedly runs until 2028.

The Saudi move was viewed as an opportunity for Onuachu to sign what could be the final major contract of his professional career. At 32, many players begin thinking about securing their financial future before retirement, making Al Ahli’s offer especially attractive.

Trabzonspor reject profitable deal and report Al Ahli to FIFA

The Saudi club did not only tempt the player with huge wages. Reports also claim Al Ahli submitted a €20 million transfer offer to Trabzonspor.

Even though that amount is more than three times what the Turkish side paid Southampton for the striker, Trabzonspor reportedly rejected the proposal because they see Onuachu as a key player for the new campaign.

The club insists the experienced striker remains central to their plans as they prepare for domestic and European competitions.

Despite refusing the bid, Trabzonspor have reportedly started monitoring possible striker targets in Brazil and Africa in case Onuachu eventually leaves before the transfer window closes.

Another major twist is the club’s reported complaint to FIFA. Trabzonspor allegedly informed football’s world governing body that Al Ahli negotiated directly with Onuachu despite his existing contract, which would be against transfer regulations if done without the Turkish club’s approval.

Neither Trabzonspor nor Al Ahli had made an official public statement confirming the reports at the time of writing, but the transfer saga continues to attract attention across Turkey and Nigeria.

Onuachu’s proposed salary compared to Osimhen and Africa’s biggest earners

If Onuachu had completed the move on the reported terms, his €22 million annual salary would have made him one of the highest-paid African footballers in the world.

The deal would also have placed him ahead of fellow Nigerian star Victor Osimhen, who currently earns a total package of €21 million per season at Galatasaray after his permanent move from Napoli.

Osimhen’s contract includes a €15 million guaranteed salary, €5 million in image-rights payments, and a €1 million loyalty bonus, making him the highest-paid player in Turkish football history.

Had Onuachu accepted Al Ahli’s reported offer and the transfer been completed, only a few African stars would still have earned more than him.

Among them are Riyad Mahrez, whose salary at Al Ahli is estimated at about €52.2 million per year, Sadio Mané on around €40 million with Al Nassr, and Kalidou Koulibaly, who reportedly earns close to €25 million annually at Al Hilal.

The proposed deal would also have pushed Onuachu ahead of stars such as Mohamed Salah, Seko Fofana, Franck Kessié, Iñaki Williams and Edouard Mendy in terms of yearly wages.

Trabzonspor’s decision, however, means the Super Eagles striker remains in Turkey, while his dream of landing a €22 million payday has been put on hold unless the two clubs can eventually reach an agreement.