Turkish side Goztepe is the latest team to join the transfer mix for Nigerian striker Paul Onuachu following Southampton's confirmed relegation from the English Premier League, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
As per Yeniasir, Goztepe's impressive Turkish Cup run which culminated in the elimination of powerhouse Besiktas and a coveted spot in the semi-finals is set to hand their head coach, Izmir top stars from the English club including Onuachu, Sulemana, and host of others should the team go on to secure victory in the Turkish Cup and subsequently qualify for any of the European club competitions.
Meanwhile, across Europe, Southampton, an English club that shares a connection with Göztepe through their Danish businessman manager, Rasmus Ankersen makes the deal a very easy one for them ahead of other competitors.
Should Göztepe achieve their ambition of winning the Turkish Cup and consequently secure a place in the Europa League for the upcoming season, several players from the English club are under consideration, including notable names such as Nigerian international striker Paul Onuachu, Ghanaian winger Kamaldeen Sulemana, Portuguese midfielder Mateus Fernandes, Brazilian defender Wellington, and French defender Armel Bella-Kotchap.
Interestingly, Onuachu, Fernandes, and Sulemana each have prior experience playing in the Turkish Süper Lig during loan spells with Trabzonspor, making them familiar with the league's environment and potentially easing their transition should they move to Göztepe.
Their previous success in Türkiye positions them as particularly attractive targets for Göz-Göz as they prepare for the challenges of European competition.
By Oluwadamilola Olaleye