Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu has sealed a move to Premier League club Southampton in a deal worth around €21 million, including add-ons.
The Saints sign the forward from Belgian Pro League side KRC Genk on a three-and-a-half year contract that will run till the summer of 2026.
Onuachu announced! ✅ pic.twitter.com/ODIYHSkKGG
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) February 1, 2023
The 28-year-old makes the shocking move to the South Coast after leading Genk to the top of the league as the leading scorer in the Belgian top division with 16 goals in 19 appearances.
He will join compatriot Joe Aribo as the second Nigerian at Saint Mary as they try to navigate their way out of impending relegation.
The Saints will rely on Onuachu’s goalscoring instinct as other striking options, Che Adams and Adam Armstrong, are on a combined five goals from 19 league games.
After their semifinal elimination from the Carabao Cup following a 2-1 defeat to Newcastle, Southampton manager Nathan Jones spoke about the qualities and experience the Nigerian brings to their struggling team.
“Paul is a significant signing for us and completes what has been an extremely positive month in terms of recruitment,” he said while speaking with the club media.
“He’s a handful to play against, has got a tremendous record throughout his career and he’s also someone who brings great experience with him, so he’ll be a really positive addition to the squad.”
Southampton have won just one of their last eight Premier League games and are currently at the bottom of the league table with 15 points from 20 matches, while scoring just 17 goals.
They will travel to London to take on Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday.
