Two factors behind Trabzonspor’s Onyemaechi pursuit

Trabzonspor have revived their interest in Super Eagles defender Bruno Onyemaechi after failing to sign him during the January transfer window, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Turkish Süper Lig side have continued monitoring the Olympiacos full-back and are now weighing up a fresh offer, according to Fotomac.

The 27-year-old has become one of Nigeria’s most reliable defenders over the last two years, combining consistency at club level with regular performances for the Super Eagles.

His impressive 2025-26 campaign saw him help Olympiacos complete a domestic treble, winning the Greek Super League, Greek Cup and Greek Super Cup.

Trabzonspor’s interest is hardly surprising. The Black Sea club are expected to reinforce the left side of their defence this summer and view Onyemaechi as a player capable of improving both their defensive stability and attacking strengths with his overlapping runs and wicked crosses.

With Paul Onuachu and Chibuike Nwaiwu already established at the club, the move could also provide the Nigerian defender with a familiar environment should negotiations progress.

While Olympiacos remain reluctant to sell below their valuation, Trabzonspor’s persistence might eventually force the Greek side to give way.

Why Trabzonspor are prioritising Bruno Onyemaechi

His versatility solves multiple tactical problems

Perhaps Onyemaechi’s biggest value is not simply his ability as a left-back but his versatility across several roles.

Before establishing himself as Nigeria’s first-choice left-back, the former Boavista defender featured as a left-sided centre-back, winger and defensive midfielder during different stages of his career in Portugal. That versatility makes him particularly attractive to Trabzonspor.

Instead of signing separate players for different positions, the Turkish side could acquire one defender capable of covering several roles throughout a demanding season. He can operate as a traditional full-back in a back four, shift into the left side of a three-man defence, play as a wing-back or provide emergency cover further up the flank if required.

Standing at 1.84 metres, Onyemaechi also brings physicality, aerial dominance and defensive discipline, qualities that helped him become an important member of Olympiacos’ title-winning squad.

His partnership with Paul Onuachu is an advantage

Another factor working in Trabzonspor’s favour is Onyemaechi’s existing relationship with fellow Super Eagles star Paul Onuachu.

The pair have shared the dressing room with Nigeria and already understand each other’s style of play. That familiarity could help Onyemaechi settle far quicker than most foreign signings arriving in Turkey for the first time.

Transfers are rarely determined by technical ability alone. Dressing-room chemistry often plays a significant role in how quickly new players adapt to a different league, culture and tactical system.

His winning mentality also fits Trabzonspor’s ambitions. Having lifted three domestic trophies with Olympiacos last season and cemented his place in the Super Eagles squad, the defender arrives with valuable experience of competing for titles.

Olympiacos remain in control

Despite Trabzonspor’s determination, completing the transfer will be far from straightforward.

Olympiacos have already rejected offers below their €3 million valuation and have made it clear that Onyemaechi is not considered surplus to requirements.

The Nigerian international remains under contract until June 2028 and is a key player in José Luis Mendilibar’s plans heading into the new campaign.

Unless Trabzonspor decide to meet Olympiacos’ asking price, the Super Eagles defender is likely to remain in Greece.

However, with his versatility, experience and existing chemistry with Onuachu making him an ideal fit for the Turkish side, Trabzonspor’s pursuit may not end anytime soon.