Southampton manager Russell Martin has shed light on Nigerian striker Paul Onuachu’s turbulent transfer situation, revealing that no serious suitors emerged for the player during the last summer window.
Onuachu, who joined Southampton from Belgian side Genk in January 2023, has struggled to replicate his prolific form in England.
The 30-year-old was a sensation in Belgium, netting 85 goals and providing 10 assists in 135 appearances, helping Genk win the Belgian Cup in 2021.
However, his transition to English football has been less smooth. Limited opportunities in his first six months led to a loan spell at Trabzonspor in the Turkish Süper Lig, where he rediscovered his scoring touch with 17 goals and four assists in 25 appearances.
Despite speculation that Trabzonspor was keen to make the move permanent, no concrete offer materialized, leaving Onuachu in limbo.
This season, Onuachu has featured in just six Premier League matches, finally earning his first start against Liverpool last week, where he impressed. His recent nomination for the FIFA Puskás Award has also drawn attention to his abilities.
Southampton boss Russell Martin expressed his desire to keep Onuachu and clarified the circumstances surrounding his continued stay at the club.
“Yes, I think I want him to stay. If he was going to go, I think it would have been in the summer for the club to reinvest the money,” Martin told the Daily Echo.
“At the time, there were a few clubs interested, but none were anywhere near serious enough for us to consider. I think Paul was just caught in limbo.”
“He thought he was going to leave, but it didn’t quite work out. Last summer, he was here for probably five or six weeks thinking he’d be going. The whole time, it was planned he’d leave because he cost a lot of money and wanted a challenge at the top level.”
“He was brilliant, respectful, and now, in January, I’m sure there will be a few people interested in him again. For me, if Paul is happy, we’re really happy, and we want him here as he can help us achieve what we want this season.”
Onuachu is currently sidelined with a minor injury, but Martin’s comments suggest he could soon solidify his place in the starting lineup. The Nigerian forward will be eager to earn more game time and play a pivotal role in Southampton’s fight for Premier League survival.
