Trabzonspor Baulk at Southampton's €15m Price Tag for Onuachu
EJIM KAYCEE BETHELCuota
- Trabzonspor President Ertuğrul Doğan says the club cannot pay €15m for 30-year-old striker, Paul Onuachu, citing his age as a major factor.
- The Turkish side had offered €8m plus bonuses for Onuachu, but Southampton rejected the bid, leaving the Turkish club to consider alternative options or negotiate further.
Turkish Süper Lig side, Trabzonspor have hit a roadblock in their pursuit of Super Eagles striker, Paul Onuachu, with the club's president, Ertuğrul Doğan, declaring that they cannot meet Southampton's €15m valuation of the 30-year-old.
Onuachu impressed during his loan stint with Trabzonspor last season, finishing as the club's top scorer and helping them secure a third-placed finish in the Turkish Süper Lig.
However, the Turkish outfit are unwilling to match the English side's asking price, having already offered €8m plus bonuses, which was rejected.
Doğan revealed that Trabzonspor are hesitant to increase their bid, citing Onuachu's age as a major factor.
"Onuachu was a player who played for us on loan last season. His club insistently demands around 15 million euros. We offered 8 million euros with bonuses."
"Trabzonspor cannot give €15m to a 30-year-old player," he stated, adding that the club would consider offering such a sum for a younger player." The 47-year-old told Tivibu Spor via NTVSpor.
The impasse has left Trabzonspor in a precarious position, having started the season poorly and missing Onuachu's services. The club's struggles led to the departure of Abdullah Avci, who has been replaced by Şenol Güneş.
Despite the setback, Doğan remains hopeful that a deal can be struck before the closure of the Turkish transfer window.
"We will wait and see," he said, leaving the door open for further negotiations.
Onuachu's future remains uncertain, with Southampton deeming him surplus to requirements. However, Trabzonspor's reluctance to meet their valuation may force the English side to reconsider their asking price or risk losing out on a potential sale.
