Report: Genclerbirligi set for showdown talks with Super Eagles star after dismal campaign

Turkish Süper Lig club Gençlerbirliği are set to open talks with Super Eagles striker Henry Onyekuru over the mutual termination of his contract this summer, Afrik-Foot reports.

​Onyekuru joined Gençlerbirliği last summer as a high-profile free agent, having previously won the league title with Galatasaray and played in some of Europe’s elite leagues like the UEFA Champions and the Europa League.

Given his pedigree, he was made the joint second-highest-paid player at the club. However, the Nigerian attacker flattered to deceive, failing to register a single goal or assist in his 19 appearances.

Henry Onyekuru, Galatasaray. Copyright: IMAGO

​According to Gençlerbirliği Haber Ajansı, the club’s hierarchy is deeply dissatisfied with his performances and eager to part ways.

Asides from his struggles on the pitch, Onyekuru fell out with management during the second half of the season over welfare issues, with reports suggesting the club owes him back wages.

Consequently, the 28-year-old—who turns 29 next month—was left out of the matchday squad for the final seven games of the campaign. He even reportedly left Turkey last month.

Henry ONYEKURU during the training. Photo by Icon Sport

​Gençlerbirliği narrowly survived the drop. They spent most of the season in deep relegation trouble, but they managed to survive the drop on the final day by going against the odds to defeat Trabzonspor 3-0 at Papara Park.

Henry Onyekuru: Super Eagles Star’s Future in The Balance

​With the season already ended, the Genclerbirligi management has invited Onyekuru and and his representatives to the negotiating table to cut his remaining one-year contract short.

Henry Onyekuru of Genclerbirligi SK Copyright: xSeskimPhotox BSehir-GBirligi-110426 25

A split this summer seems inevitable at the moment, meaning the Super Eagles star will soon be on the hunt for a new club.

However, finding another Süper Lig employer may prove difficult after such a dismal campaign. Consequently, Onyekuru may have to look to other leagues to revive his career.

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Kelvin Omachonu

Sports Writer

Kelvin Omachonu is a professional football columnist and sports writer with over half a decade of experience covering major events and delivering captivating, analytically-driven stories.
A graduate of the University of Ibadan, he is fueled by a profound dedication to sports journalism and the beautiful game. His insights have previously been featured in respected outlets, including IndyPress UI, UCJ UI Newshive NG, Sportpremi, and a few others.
Away from work, Kelvin is also a basketball fan