Trabzonspor Decides the Future of Super Eagles Striker Paul Onuachu

Paul Onuachu’s future at Trabzonspor has become a hot topic after the Turkish Cup winners turned down an €11 million bid for the Nigerian striker, Afrik Foot reports.

The Super Eagles forward had a sensational 2025‑26 campaign, netting 26 goals for Fatih Tekke’s side across all competitions and winning the league’s Golden Boot.

His goals helped Trabzonspor secure a return to European football and win the Turkish League Cup.

Paul Onuachu in action. Copyright: ImagoxAndrzejxIwanczukx

Saudi Pro League clubs have been monitoring Onuachu for months, and fresh reports suggest the interest remains strong after another failed attempt to lure him away from Turkey. Despite his age, the towering striker continues to command significant value in the transfer market thanks to his consistency in front of goal.

The latest developments leave Trabzonspor with an important decision: cash in on one of their most valuable assets or keep a player who remains central to their ambitions.

What has been said by Trabzonspor?

According to reports from Turkey, Trabzonspor have turned down an €11 million offer for Onuachu despite mounting interest from Saudi Arabia.

The 32‑year‑old forward remains a sought‑after figure after finishing the season as joint top scorer in the Turkish Super Lig with 22 goals. He further cemented his status as a club hero by scoring twice in Trabzonspor’s Turkish Cup final victory over Konyaspor.

Paul Onuachu and Samuel Chukwueze. Copyright: xVincentxKAMTOxIMAGO

Club president Ertugrul Dogan recently revealed that offers have arrived for seven players in the squad this summer. However, he indicated that only a limited number of departures are expected as the club seeks to maintain stability ahead of the 2026‑2027 season.

Interestingly, a report from Tribal Football suggests head coach Fatih Tekke would not necessarily oppose an Onuachu departure. The Trabzonspor boss is believed to be interested in adding a more mobile striker capable of leading a high‑intensity pressing system.

Nevertheless, the rejection of the €11 million proposal indicates the club either values Onuachu more highly or remains reluctant to lose their leading goalscorer without securing a suitable replacement.

With Saudi clubs expected to return with improved offers, the transfer saga appears far from over.

Should Trabzonspor sell Onuachu?

From a financial perspective, selling Onuachu could make sense. The Nigerian striker turned 32 back in May, and opportunities to receive eight‑figure transfer fees for players in that age bracket are increasingly rare.

Saudi clubs possess the financial muscle to increase their offers, potentially giving Trabzonspor funds to strengthen multiple areas of the squad.

The tactical argument also favours a sale. While Onuachu remains an elite finisher, his game is built around physicality, aerial dominance and penalty‑box presence rather than mobility.

Paul Onuachu, Anthony Nwakaeme and Chibuike Nwaiwu at Trabzonspor. (Credit: AF NG)

On the flip side, there are equally compelling reasons to keep him because goal scorers are difficult to replace.

Onuachu delivered 22 league goals and added two more in the Turkish Cup final. Few strikers available on the market can guarantee that level of output. Replacing such production would carry significant risk, especially if Trabzonspor have ambitions of competing for domestic honours next season.

His experience also remains invaluable. As one of the senior figures in the dressing room, Onuachu provides leadership and a reliable central outlet in attack. His understanding with his teammates has been developed over a long period, and that is something that cannot be replicated overnight.

Paul Onuachu of Trabzonspor. Photo by: ImagoSeskimphoto

Ultimately, Trabzonspor’s decision may depend on the size of the next offer. While rejecting €11 million signals their desire to keep the striker, a significantly improved proposal could force a rethink.