Trabzonspor president Ertuğrul Doğan has finally addressed the swirling uncertainty around Paul Onuachu, confirming that the Super Eagles forward is expected to stay at the Turkish club despite months of transfer speculation. The update brings clarity to a saga that has followed Onuachu throughout the summer window.
Onuachu’s name has rarely been far from the transfer pages since the end of last season. Following a stunning 2025-26 campaign in which he scored 26 goals across all competitions, including 22 in the Süper Lig, suitors from Saudi Arabia and elsewhere in Europe circled the towering striker.
He finished the league season as joint top scorer alongside İstanbul Başakşehir’s Eldor Shomurodov, a feat that only added fuel to interest in his signature. However, with Doğan now confirming the club’s intention to keep him, that chapter of uncertainty appears to be closing.
Trabzonspor had reportedly set a substantial valuation on their forward, and suitors were unwilling or unable to meet those demands before the window’s closing stages. As a result, Onuachu now finds himself preparing for the season ahead in maroon and blue rather than a new colour.
With his immediate future settled, attention turns to Onuachu’s form on the pitch. He has endured something of a goal drought to start the new campaign, a stark contrast to the free-scoring form that defined his previous season. Consequently, getting back among the goals will be his priority as Trabzonspor look to steady their season.
The timing is notable given recent upheaval behind the scenes. Trabzonspor confirmed on September 1 that they had parted ways with head coach Fatih Tekke, meaning Onuachu will now work under new management as the club looks to reset its campaign. Meanwhile, the team return to Süper Lig action on Sunday against Gençlerbirliği, a fixture that offers an early opportunity to build momentum following an inconsistent start to the season.
Nigeria Angle
Onuachu’s club future is a welcome development. A settled, focused Onuachu at club level typically translates into sharper form on international duty, and Nigeria will be keen to see their towering striker rediscover his scoring touch ahead of upcoming national team assignments.
His continued presence in a major European league also keeps him firmly in the selection conversation for Eric Chelle as the Super Eagles plan for the period ahead.
Furthermore, having one of their most prolific forwards settled rather than mid-transfer limbo removes a layer of uncertainty that could otherwise disrupt his international form. Nigerian football followers will be watching closely to see whether he can carry his Golden Boot pedigree back into current form.
Onuachu’s short-term focus will be breaking his scoring drought as Trabzonspor host Gençlerbirliği this weekend. Beyond that, all eyes turn to how he settles under a new head coach following Tekke’s departure, and whether the club can build consistency after their shaky start. For now, though, the transfer speculation that dominated his summer has been put to rest, at least until the next window opens.
