Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu was excluded from Southampton’s matchday squad for their pre-season friendly game against Bordeaux, fueling talks he has signed for Trabzonspor, Soccernet.ng reports.

Onuachu’s future has been a subject of interest this summer. The Nigerian striker joined Southampton from Genk in January 2023. He was brought in to help the club in their battle to avoid relegation.

Unfortunately for him, he did not get enough playing time at the club and had to leave for Turkish club Trabzonspor last summer. In Turkey, Onauchu was impressive, as he registered 17 goals and four assists in 25 games.

Following his brilliant performances for Trabzonspor, there have been strong talks that the club want to sign him permanently. However, the talks have stalled because they are unwilling to meet Southampton’s valuation of the striker.

But on tuesday, Soccernet.ng reported that Trabzonspor had reached an agreement with Southampton for Onuachu’s services even though he had returned to the Saints for pre-season.

Neither Southampton nor Trabzonspor has come out to officially confirm the deal. But in a new development, Southampton played a friendly game against Bordeaux, and Onuachu was not in the matchday squad.

Coach Russell Martin had already revealed that Onuachu was not in his plans for next season. But Onuachu’s absence from Southampton’s squad could mean that Onuachu is set to pen a deal with another club.

Coach Rusell has no cause to worry though, as his side won the game 3-2. Southampton still have games against Montpellier, Oxford United, Millwall, Lazio, and Getafe before the Premier League season kicks off.