Southampton have reportedly contacted Trabzonspor over a possible move for Paul Onuachu to Turkey in January.
The 30-year-old was linked with a permanent switch away from St Mary's throughout the course of the summer transfer window, although a move did not materialise.
As a result, Onuachu has remained on the fringes of Russell Martin's squad during the opening weeks of the Premier League campaign, sitting behind the likes of Cameron Archer and Ben Brereton Diaz in the forward pecking order.
That being said, the Nigerian made his first appearance of the season for the Saints on Saturday afternoon, featuring for 16 minutes off the bench during the 3-1 loss at Arsenal.
Spending the 2023-24 term on loan at Trabzonspor, Onuachu enjoyed a productive 12 months while his parent club battled away in the Championship, bagging 15 goals across 21 Turkish Super Lig appearances.
© Imago
Southampton contact Trabzonspor over Onuachu deal?
According to Turkish outlet Taka Gazete, Southampton are actively looking to offload out-of-favour striker Onuachu during the upcoming January transfer window.
The report claims that the Saints have contacted Trabzonspor over the possibility of them permanently signing the forward in the New Year.
It is understood that the Turkish club were in hot pursuit of Onuachu during the summer transfer window, although they were unwilling to pay Southampton's €9m (£7.5m) asking price.
Senol Gunes's troops are allegedly still keen on the acquisition of the Nigerian, who is struggling massively for game time in the Premier League.
On loan from Braga, Simon Banza is carrying the goalscoring burden for Trabzonspor so far this term and could do with the help of Onuachu during the second part of the season.
© Imago
Should Southampton keep Onuachu?
Supposedly contacting Trabzonspor regarding their interest in Onuachu, Southampton are acting like a club who are flourishing in attacking areas.
That could not be further from reality, though, with the Saints finding the net on just four occasions over the first seven Premier League matches of the term, fewer than any other side in the division.
Summer arrivals Archer and Brereton Diaz have scored once across 13 combined appearances, while last season's leading marksman Adam Armstrong is unfortunately struggling to prove his worth as a Premier League starter, despite his excellent finishing and intelligent movement.
The goalscoring record and physical presence of Trabzonspor-linked Onuachu represents a rare commodity in the Saints' squad, and head coach Martin would be smart to utilise the Nigerian before his potential departure in the New Year.
Carter White
