Talks already in progress for a deal for the Nigeria forward
By Ed Emeanua
Paul Onuachu is considered surplus to requirements at relegated Southampton is, but his former side Genk are reportedly keen to resign him provided he will come back to them for less than he was sold.
The Belgium Jupiler Pro League side have already commenced discussions with the Championship outfit over a deal for their former target man.
Journalist Sacha Tavolieri reports that, talks have advanced up to the point that an agreement over the deal could be reached before the close of the transfer window.
The Nigeria forward moved to Southampton on the first day of February for a reported £18million, but could not score a single goal for the Saints in 11 Premier League features.
Relegation to the Championship may force the former Premier League outfit to sell players in plans of improving their team, and give them a decent shot at promotion back to top flight.
Onuachu is one of the Saints stars attracting attention, and his former club Genk still sees him as a player of interest despite his fall from grace at Southampton.
Genk boss Wouter Vrancken has equally had his say on the rumour linking Onuachu to his team in a recent interview with Het Laatste Nieuws (via Sport Witness).
In the interview with Het Laatste Nieuws (via Sport Witness), Vrancken pointed out about a likely switch, stating that Genk would welcome back the striker on a contract which suits his side, as they would not be able to cough up the same fee that they sold the Nigerian for half a year ago.
“That depends on him, doesn’t it?” Vrancken said.
“He was sold for around €18m; I believe – I’m not aware of those numbers. The bottom line is that we don’t want to trade in that category, no.
“[New signing] Bonsu Baah was also a solid investment, but that’s about the limit for us. Antwerp and Club [Brugge] can go to double that.”
Sport Witness reports that Baah cost Genk a fee in the region of €5.2million, meaning the Belgium Jupiler Pro League side would be reluctant to bargain too much higher in a deal for Onuachu. It is also possible that should Southampton decide to recoup the amount they paid for the striker, the thinking is that their main aim will be to recover the larger chunk of money that they initially paid to Genk.
