Turkish outfit Göztepe are confident about finalising the transfer of Southampton striker Paul Onuachu by the end of this week, as the Super Lig outfit look to strengthen their squad, NIGERIAN Sports Extra reports.
Southampton, who had a busy transfer window, continue to offload players to leagues where the transfer window remains open.
Despite multiple Turkish clubs expressing interest in Onuachu, including a persistent chase from Trabzonspor, where he excelled on loan last season, no deal has materialised so far.
However, according to Turkish daily Star, Göztepe, Southampton’s sister club, are optimistic about securing the Nigeria striker’s signature in the coming days.
If successful, Onuachu would become the second Southampton player to join Göztepe this summer, following goalkeeper Mateusz Lis.
Onuachu, who had a prolific loan spell at Trabzonspor last season, scoring 17 goals and providing four assists in 25 appearances, has been deemed surplus to requirements by Southampton manager Russell Martin.
As a result, the Saints are keen to move the 30-year-old striker on before the Turkish transfer window closes.
Trabzonspor had also been heavily linked with a move for Onuachu, even going as far as offering €8m plus another player in a bid to secure his services.
Trabzonspor President Ertuğrul Doğan confirmed the club’s commitment to signing the Nigerian, stating, “We made the biggest offer to his club regarding Paul Onuachu. We made an offer of €6m plus bonuses, up to €8m, but his club (Southampton) insists on €15m. We are still interested.”
Despite Trabzonspor’s strong interest, negotiations with Southampton failed to reach a satisfactory conclusion, paving the way for Göztepe to step in.
The potential move to Göztepe could provide Onuachu with a fresh start, especially as he has not featured in any of Southampton’s matchday squads this season.
