Soccer
Former Manchester United head coach, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, is keen on bringing Super Eagles and Southampton striker, Paul Onuachu, to Besiktas, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 30-year-old striker was linked with another Turkish side, Trabzonspor, last summer, but former Saints’ boss, Martin Russell, was adamant the Nigerian was not for sale.
Onuachu has started just five of Southampton’s twenty-three English Premier League games this season, scoring just one goal. In contrast, the lanky forward enjoyed a good season with Trabzonspor last campaign where he scored 17 goals and provided four assists in 25 games for Karadeniz Fırtınası.
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According to Turkish outlet, Fanatik, Besiktas are ready to step up their pursuit of Paul Onuachu and will sit down for transfer talks at the end of this week as they look to reach an agreement with the Saints.
The Istanbul-based side are preparing an offer for Onuachu and are exploring the option of a possible loan this January, with the option of a full-summer purchase included in the deal.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side are currently sweating over the future of Italian striker, Ciro Immobile, and are keen on bringing in another striker before the January transfer window slams shut.
As per Sports Witness, Beşiktaş are also monitoring Fulham forward, Raúl Jiménez, but a deal for the Mexican this winter might be far-fetched.
Onuachu isn’t the only Nigerian and Southampton player wanted by Solksjaer’s side. The former Manchester United coach is also interested in Joe Aribo, as per Daily Mail.
Beşiktaş’ move for Aribo is a shrewd tactic to secure Onuachu’s signature as Aribo is one of the closest companions of the former KRC Genk forward.
Additionally, the pair play for the Nigerian national team, and have a bond that goes beyond club level. Luring Aribo to come could play a big role in Onuachu’s decision to join Besiktas.
While a January swoop for the duo will be difficult for the Turkish side to pull off due to Southampton’s position in the English Premier League, a summer move will likely yield success if the Saints are relegated to the EFL Championships.
However, a loan deal for either player cannot be ruled out as the Turkish transfer window doesn’t close until February 12th.
Adefolahan Guerreiro
Adefolahan is a multilingual journalist and writer at Soccernet Nigeria.
With a track record of involvement in College sports, Adefolahan is focused on crafting engaging football content and utilising his language skills and extensive sports knowledge to enhance content accessibility for a global audience.
He has interviewed Nigerian stars like Finidi George, Junior Lokosa, and Abraham Onahi Ogbu.
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