'We have to respect Southampton' – Onuachu explains why he didn't return to Trabzonspor last term

Speaking at a press conference at the Mehmet Ali Yılmaz Facilities on Thursday, Paul Onuachu revealed that he had every intention of returning to Trabzonspor following his loan spell at the Turkish club.

However, a permanent move did not materialise during the 2024-2025 season due to the inability of Southampton and Trabzonspor to reach an agreement.

After enduring a difficult start to life at Southampton, where he struggled for goals and form over a seven-month spell, Onuachu secured a season-long loan move to Trabzonspor in September 2023.

He scored 17 goals in all competitions in his first spell at Trabzonspor, becoming a fan favourite and was widely expected to extend his stay.

Onuachu admitted that he pushed hard behind the scenes in an attempt to secure a return to Trabzonspor but the situation was out of his hands.

"After my loan spell, the goal was to come back which everybody knows. I was really speaking to Southampton that I wanted to come back but of course you know how football is," Onuachu said.

"Club-to-club have to agree first before the club who owns the player will allow the player go. 

"I was really keen coming back to Trabzonspor because what I experienced the last time I was here was amazing—the atmosphere, the fans."

The towering forward reiterated that he did his best to engineer a move back to the club where he had felt so welcomed and appreciated.

"I was doing my own part to come back to the club like I promised before I left. But of course it's football, we also have to respect Southampton, where I played, and also have to respect their decision if both parties can come to an agreement. That would be very good for me and Trabzonspor.

"I wanted to come back but I have to respect the team I was currently playing for then."

Onuachu joined Trabzonspor on a permanent deal in July, signing a three-year deal that keeps him at the club until the end of the 2027-2028 season.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com