Onuachu's Record Deal Blocked by Turkish Club
Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu was on the verge of securing one of the most lucrative contracts in African football history, but his Turkish club Trabzonspor intervened to halt the move. According to reports from Turkey, Saudi Pro League giants Al Ahli had already agreed personal terms with the 32-year-old Nigerian forward, offering a staggering €22 million per season. The deal would have made Onuachu one of the highest-paid African footballers, surpassing compatriot Victor Osimhen's annual earnings at Galatasaray.
Massive Payday on the Table
The financial details of the proposed transfer are extraordinary. Reports from Afrik-Foot indicate that Al Ahli offered Onuachu a weekly salary of approximately €450,000, amounting to around €22 million annually. For context, the striker currently earns an estimated €2 million per year at Trabzonspor, meaning the Saudi offer represented an eleven-fold increase. The move was seen as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Onuachu to secure his financial future in the latter stages of his career.
Onuachu only recently completed a permanent switch from Southampton to Trabzonspor after a successful loan spell, with his contract running until 2028. Despite this, the scale of the Saudi proposal made the transfer difficult to ignore.
Trabzonspor Rejects €20 Million Bid
Al Ahli's ambition extended beyond personal terms. The Saudi club reportedly submitted a transfer bid worth €20 million for the Nigerian international—more than three times what Trabzonspor paid Southampton to secure his services permanently. However, according to Nigerian journalist Buchi Laba, Trabzonspor rejected the proposal outright. Club officials view Onuachu as a cornerstone of their plans for the upcoming season, particularly as they aim to compete strongly in domestic competitions and Europe.
The Turkish side is also dealing with interest in other players, including links involving Samuel Chukwueze and Chibuike Nwaiwu, making squad stability a major priority. Nevertheless, reports suggest Trabzonspor have quietly begun scouting replacement strikers across Africa and Brazil should circumstances change before the transfer window closes.
FIFA Complaint Adds Drama
The most controversial aspect of the saga involves Trabzonspor's alleged complaint to FIFA. According to Turkish media, the club believes Al Ahli negotiated directly with Onuachu without first obtaining official permission, a potential violation of international transfer regulations. If proven, such actions could attract scrutiny from football's governing bodies. Neither club has publicly confirmed the claims, but the accusations have added another layer of drama to the transfer battle.
Had the move gone through, Onuachu's €22 million annual salary would have eclipsed the earnings of Victor Osimhen, who currently pockets around €21 million per year at Galatasaray through wages, image rights, and loyalty bonuses. Only top African stars such as Riyad Mahrez, Sadio Mané, and Kalidou Koulibaly would reportedly earn more. For now, however, Trabzonspor's stance means Onuachu remains in Turkey, while one of the most lucrative contracts ever offered to a Nigerian footballer hangs in the balance.
