Having begun preparations for the new season well before the official transfer window opens, the Trabzonspor board is working tirelessly to reinforce key positions. The top priority is a long-term solution up front: completing the permanent signing of centre-forward Paul Onuachu, who excelled in last year’s Turkish championship while on loan. At the same time, after Pedro Malheiro’s move to Al-Wasl, the club is searching for a quality right-back capable of seamlessly filling the defensive gap and fitting into Abdullah Avcı’s tactical set-up.
Parties Reach Agreement on Personal Terms
To secure the 30-year-old Nigerian goal-getter for good, Trabzonspor have taken decisive action and reached a broad agreement with the player himself on personal terms. Onuachu has given his preliminary consent to remain on the Black Sea coast and continue his career in the Süper Lig, where his eye-catching performances have earned him the fans’ affection and the coaching staff’s trust. The deal, however, still hinges on the buy-out fee demanded by Southampton: the English Championship side value the striker at €5 million. For the Maroon-Blue outfit, keen to balance the budget, that figure looks inflated, so the negotiations are extremely tough and being conducted line by line.
“He Wants to Play Here” – the Key Argument
Trabzonspor’s hierarchy are using a powerful bargaining chip: the player himself. Onuachu has openly declared his desire to wear the Black Sea Storm shirt on a permanent basis, and this stance allows the Turkish club to put pressure on their counterparts in an effort to drive the price down. As the club president has stressed, additional resources have been assigned to conclude the deal as quickly as possible: the executives are working virtually seven days a week to get the paperwork signed and deliver the long-awaited news to the public.
Numbers That Prove the Striker’s Value
In last season’s Süper Lig campaign the Nigerian played 21 matches and scored 15 goals, finishing as Trabzonspor’s top scorer. His ability to finish crosses, find space in the box and dominate in the air made the team’s attack far more varied. It is therefore no surprise that both the supporters and new head coach Fatih Tekke agree that keeping Onuachu is essential to preserving the side’s cutting edge. Concrete updates on the talks are expected in the coming days.
A Compromise Loan Formula Is Also on the Table
Although the primary objective is an outright purchase, the sporting department are also weighing up alternative formulas. These include extending the loan with an obligation to buy after a year, a staggered payment plan linked to the club’s financial results, or a package featuring performance-related bonuses. Should the parties reach common ground, the agreement could be announced officially during this transfer window, and fans on social media would be able to celebrate their favourite’s return.
Right-Back Target: Joel Pereira on the Radar
In parallel, Trabzonspor are seeking a reliable solution at right-back. Following Pedro Malheiro’s departure for the UAE league, the leading candidate is 28-year-old Portuguese Joel Pereira of Lech Poznań. This season he has made 33 competitive appearances, contributing two goals and seven assists — a statistic that underlines his willingness to join the attack. Standing 1.78 m tall, Pereira boasts good acceleration and stamina, making him a suitable profile for the high-tempo Turkish league.
According to information leaking from the club offices, the Maroon-Blue outfit have already contacted the player’s representatives and Lech itself to explore the details of a potential deal. Although the defender is still under contract with the Polish club, Polish media report that Pereira is open to a new challenge in a more competitive league and to playing for a team with ambitious European aims. The prospect of appearing in continental competitions and performing in front of a multi-million-strong audience is cited as a major draw of Trabzonspor’s offer.
What’s Next?
Over the coming weeks supporters face an intensive news marathon: the Onuachu talks are entering a decisive stage, while the board are simultaneously accelerating contacts with Lech over Pereira. The coaching staff hope to have both players signed in time for the summer training camp so that they can be integrated smoothly into the tactical system. If all goes well, the 2025 summer transfer window could go down in Trabzonspor history as one of the most productive and genuinely star-studded.
