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Trabzonspor refuses to reduce Paul Onuachu transfer price as Saudi clubs intensify striker pursuit in Turkey after explosive goal scoring season in Istanbul

Oke Tope
By Oke Tope

Nigerian striker Paul Onuachu is once again at the center of major transfer discussions after an outstanding campaign in the Turkish Super Lig.

Despite growing interest from clubs across Europe and the Middle East, Turkish side Trabzonspor are reportedly refusing to lower their asking price for the experienced forward.

The club are said to value the striker at around €15m following his brilliant goal-scoring performances during the 2025/26 season.

Trabzonspor’s position comes at a time when several clubs are monitoring the Nigerian international closely, especially teams in the Saudi Pro League.

Onuachu Delivers One of the Best Seasons of His Career

The 31-year-old enjoyed a sensational season in Turkey, finishing with 22 league goals.

His tally placed him joint-top among the league’s highest scorers alongside Eldor Shomurodov of İstanbul Başakşehir.

Onuachu’s consistency in front of goal proved vital for Trabzonspor throughout the campaign.

His aerial dominance, physical strength, and finishing ability once again reminded fans why he has remained one of the most dangerous strikers in European football over the last several years.

The Nigerian forward has now rebuilt his reputation strongly after a difficult spell in England with Southampton FC.

His return to Turkey revived his confidence and allowed him to rediscover the form that once made him one of Europe’s most prolific scorers during his time in Belgium.

Saudi Clubs Continue to Circle Around the Nigerian Star

Interest from Saudi Arabia has continued to grow in recent months, with Al-Ahli Saudi FC emerging as one of the strongest contenders for his signature.

Reports suggest the Saudi club could intensify their pursuit if English striker Ivan Toney leaves the club during the summer transfer window.

Saudi clubs have aggressively targeted established European-based players in recent years, offering huge financial packages that many clubs struggle to compete with.

Onuachu is believed to be among the latest names on their radar due to his experience, goal-scoring pedigree, and physical style of play.

Interestingly, the striker had previously rejected an offer from Saudi Arabia earlier in the year despite claims that the deal would have tripled his current salary.

Trabzonspor Eye Massive Profit on Onuachu Deal

Trabzonspor’s €15m valuation represents a major increase from the amount they paid to secure the player permanently from Southampton.

The Turkish club signed Onuachu outright for around €5.7m after a successful loan spell during the 2023/24 season.

During that initial temporary stay, he scored 15 league goals and quickly became a fan favourite.

Now, just one year later, Trabzonspor could potentially earn nearly three times their investment if a suitable offer arrives.

That explains why the club are refusing to negotiate below their preferred valuation despite increasing transfer pressure.

Club officials reportedly still prefer to keep the striker, especially because he remains under contract for another two years.

owever, football’s financial realities mean a strong offer could eventually force reconsideration.

Why Saudi Arabia Could Still Tempt Onuachu

Although Onuachu rejected a previous proposal, reports indicate that the financial figures being prepared by Saudi clubs are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.

Some interested teams are allegedly willing to offer the Nigerian forward wages worth four times his current salary.

At 31, this could represent one of the biggest contracts of his career.

The Saudi Pro League has already attracted several elite players from Europe, including stars from the English Premier League, Serie A, and La Liga.

The league’s ambition and spending power continue to reshape the global transfer market.

For Onuachu, the move could provide long-term financial security while also giving him the opportunity to remain a key attacking figure in a rapidly growing league.

Impact and Consequences

If Onuachu eventually departs, Trabzonspor would lose one of their most influential attacking players.

Replacing a striker capable of delivering over 20 league goals is never easy, especially in a competitive league environment.

The club could, however, benefit financially from a major sale.

A €15m transfer fee would strengthen their transfer budget and possibly allow them to rebuild multiple areas of the squad.

For Nigerian football, another high-profile move to Saudi Arabia would further highlight the increasing influence of the Middle Eastern league on African players.

More Nigerian internationals have become open to Saudi moves due to the enormous salaries and improving football infrastructure.

Onuachu’s future could also affect his role with the Nigerian national team.

While the Saudi league continues to improve competitively, some players moving outside Europe occasionally face questions regarding visibility and top-level competition ahead of major international tournaments.

What’s Next?

The summer transfer window is expected to bring more concrete developments regarding Onuachu’s future.

Saudi clubs are likely to intensify discussions once player departures and squad restructuring plans become clearer.

Trabzonspor, meanwhile, appear determined not to sell cheaply and will probably wait for an offer that fully matches their valuation.

European clubs could also enter the race if they decide to pursue an experienced striker with proven scoring ability.

Much may depend on how aggressively Saudi teams approach negotiations in the coming weeks.

For now, Onuachu remains a Trabzonspor player, but the growing speculation suggests this transfer saga is far from over.

Summary

Paul Onuachu’s remarkable season in Turkey has placed him firmly back on the radar of clubs searching for a reliable goal scorer.

Trabzonspor are standing firm with a €15m valuation as Saudi interest continues to grow around the Nigerian striker.

After rediscovering his best form in the Turkish Super Lig, the experienced forward now faces a potentially career-defining decision regarding his next move.

Whether he remains in Europe or heads to Saudi Arabia, his future is expected to become one of the major talking points of the summer transfer window.

Bulleted Takeaways

  • Paul Onuachu finished the 2025/26 Turkish Super Lig season with 22 league goals.
  • Trabzonspor want at least €15m before considering any transfer offers.
  • Al-Ahli Saudi FC are among clubs interested in signing the Nigerian striker.
  • Onuachu reportedly rejected a Saudi move earlier this year despite a massive salary proposal.
  • Saudi clubs are now believed to be preparing even bigger financial offers.
  • Trabzonspor could make a huge profit after signing him permanently from Southampton FC for around €5.7m.
  • The striker still has two years remaining on his current contract.
  • His future is expected to be one of the major transfer stories of the summer.
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About Oke Tope

Temitope Oke is an experienced copywriter and editor. With a deep understanding of the Nigerian market and global trends, he crafts compelling, persuasive, and engaging content tailored to various audiences. His expertise spans digital marketing, content creation, SEO, and brand messaging. He works with diverse clients, helping them communicate effectively through clear, concise, and impactful language. Passionate about storytelling, he combines creativity with strategic thinking to deliver results that resonate.