Trabzonspor’s pursuit of Paul Onuachu appears to be reaching a dead end, as Southampton continue to resist offers for the Nigerian striker. With negotiations stalling once again, the former Turkish Super Lig champions are now exploring alternative options—and they’ve set their sights on another Nigerian forward: Rafiu Durosinmi.
Onuachu had a stellar loan spell at Trabzonspor two seasons ago, scoring 17 goals and providing four assists in 25 appearances. The club made attempts to sign him permanently last summer, but Southampton’s asking price exceeded their valuation.
Talks have resumed this window, but the English side remain firm. It’s unclear if Southampton are holding out for a higher fee or planning to reintegrate Onuachu as they aim for Premier League promotion next season. Either way, Trabzonspor’s patience is wearing thin.
Trabzonspor have now turned their attention to 22-year-old Rafiu Durosinmi of Viktoria Plzen. The young Nigerian forward delivered an impressive 2024–25 campaign, netting nine goals and supplying four assists in 22 matches across all competitions.
Standing tall at 1.92 meters, Durosinmi offers a strong physical presence. His ability in the air and technical quality with the ball at his feet make him an attractive option for any top-tier club seeking a modern striker.
The forward has already drawn interest from Turkish giants Besiktas and Serie A side Lazio, but no formal offers have been made. Transfermarkt currently values Durosinmi at €7 million (₦12.6 billion), making him a relatively affordable option for a club of Trabzonspor’s ambitions.
If Southampton continue to hold firm, Durosinmi could well become the preferred choice to lead Trabzonspor’s line next season, replacing Onuachu and possibly surpassing his legacy.