Club Brugge is reportedly targeting a winter move for Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu as the Nigerian forward faces a challenging period at Southampton. Onuachu, who has struggled to find form and game time in England, could be set for a fresh start in the Belgian Pro League, where he previously thrived with KRC Genk.
Onuachu’s time at Southampton has been disappointing since his €18 million transfer from Genk nearly two years ago. Despite being known for his goal-scoring prowess in Belgium, his transition to the Premier League has not been smooth. He has struggled to make an impact at Southampton, where he has not managed to score and has played only 16 minutes this season. His lack of game time and form has raised doubts about his future with the club, with a potential move away appearing more likely as the January transfer window approaches.
Last season, Onuachu showed glimpses of his ability during a loan spell at Trabzonspor in Turkey, where he rediscovered his scoring touch by netting 15 goals in 21 appearances. Despite his success in Turkey, his return to Southampton has not resulted in improved fortunes, prompting the club to consider alternatives for the forward.
According to Turkish media outlet A Spor, as cited by Belgian sports site Voetbalkrant, Club Brugge is eager to bring Onuachu back to Belgium, where he enjoyed his most successful years. Brugge sees him as a valuable addition to their squad and believes the familiar environment of the Belgian Pro League could help him regain his confidence and form.
Trabzonspor, where Onuachu thrived on loan, is also reportedly interested in making his stay permanent. The Turkish club has been monitoring his situation closely and could compete with Club Brugge for his signature. However, Onuachu remains contracted to Southampton until June 2026, meaning any deal would require negotiation with the English club.
For Onuachu, a return to Belgium would reunite him with his Super Eagles compatriot, Raphael Onyedika, who plays for Club Brugge. This potential move could provide the striker with the stability and opportunity he needs to reignite his career and get back to his goal-scoring best.
The January transfer window will be a crucial period for both Onuachu and Southampton, as the club will need to decide whether to hold onto the striker or allow him to move on in search of regular playing time elsewhere. A successful transfer could benefit all parties involved, as Brugge would gain a proven goal-scorer, and Onuachu would have a chance to revive his career in a league where he previously excelled.
Should the deal materialize, it would be a homecoming of sorts for Onuachu, returning to a league where he made his mark as one of the top strikers, and joining a Club Brugge side eager to compete at the highest level both domestically and in European competitions.