Southampton Set For Payday As £6.8 Million Deal Agreed

Southampton look to have cashed in on striker Paul Onuachu, with a deal agreed with a European side, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Nigerian joined the St. Mary’s side in January 2023 from Genk, but underwhelmed in his opening six months, seeing him loaned out to Turkish side Trabzonspor the following season as the Saints returned to the EFL. He was the supersub for the Hampshire side in the Premier League last season, scoring four times and assisting once across 25 appearances in a torrid season.

Saints Agree Fee

According to Fabrizio Romano, his former club in Trabzonspor has made a new, permanent move for Onuachu, and the two clubs have agreed an €8 million (£6.8 million) fee for him to return to Turkey. However, personal terms between the 6ft 7in forward and the seven-time Super Lig champions are yet to be agreed, but negotiations are ongoing.

The two clubs are also going toe to toe for other players, with both engaged in a bidding war for Colo-Colo winger Lucas Cepeda. News about a potential incoming for Will Still’s side came after rumours of Kamaldeen Sulemana’s future at Southampton remain in the air. Atalanta, now managed by former Southampton manager Ivan Juric, have been linked with the Ghanaian international according to Football Insider.

Saints are well stocked in the forward department even with the loss of Onuachu, with Cameron Archer, Ross Stewart and Adam Armstrong all contracted to the club next season, with the latter playing in the Championship last season for West Bromwich Albion.

Writers’ View

With four strikers at the club, it was likely Southampton would have sold someone and with Paul Onuachu now at 32, it is the best time for them to cash in on the Nigerian. £6.8 million is a good fee to get for him, and could certainly be reinvested in new forwards alongside any money raised by a potential sale of Kamaldeen Sulemana. Cameron Archer seems like he would be the starting striker going into next season so any new addition would play a supporting role for the former Preston North End player. This is a good move to make as Will Still prepares to bring The Saints back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.