'He isn't that mobile - Pundit not convinced Southampton striker Onuachu can cut it in Championship

English football pundit Martin Sanders has cast doubt over Paul Onuachu's ability to lead Southampton's frontline as they prepare for life in the Championship next season, despite the Nigerian striker's recent resurgence in form.

Onuachu, who joined the Saints from Genk in January 2023, endured a difficult start to his time in England, failing to make a significant impact in the Premier League.

However, following the arrival of Ivan Juric as Southampton's manager, the Nigerian striker has shown glimpses of quality, netting four goals and adding one assist since the turn of the year.

While Onuachu's performances have reignited hope among Southampton fans that he could spearhead the club's return to the Premier League, Sanders is not convinced.

Speaking to Football League World, the pundit expressed concern with the situation of the club after signing the Nigerian International.

"Tall Paul Onuachu: what a guy. He signed for Saints in the January of 2023. They've tried to sell him in every single window since," Sanders said. 

"He was bought for Nathan Jones and within weeks of signing him we sacked Jones. So, all in all, it was a bit of a disaster to be honest."

Sanders added that while Onuachu had proven himself in other leagues — including his successful loan at Trabzonspor during the 2023/24 campaign — his physical style and lack of mobility may not suit the rigours of the English second tier.

"Onuachu hasn't really set the world alight. He was 28 when he arrived. He's scored goals all around Europe out on loan in the Turkish league. 

"He really struggled to make an impact here. He's a tall striker - six-foot-seven, I think I'm right in saying. He's never really been given loads of service.

"Do I think he could cut it in the Championship? It's a good question, and I'm not sure, you know. 

"From what I've seen of him at times this year, he isn't that mobile, and you would need a manager to play to his strengths if he was going to do well in the Championship."

Despite growing support for Onuachu from sections of the fanbase, Sanders advised Southampton to seek alternative attacking options in the summer transfer window.

"It's dependent on the manager really. A lot of people think that he could drop down and do a job in the Championship; I'm not convinced. 

"I think that there's got to be better options than Onuachu. If we're resting our hopes of scoring goals next season on Tall Paul then we've got a bit of a problem."

The 30-year-old Nigerian international is reportedly attracting fresh interest from Turkish clubs ahead of the summer transfer window, following a successful stint on loan at Trabzonspor.

As the summer window approaches, the future of Paul Onuachu will be a significant discussion among the Saints fan base ahead of the upcoming Championship campaign.

Adeyemi Adewale

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