Soccer Football - Europa League - Group H - SK Rapid Wien v KRC Genk - Allianz Stadion, Vienna, Austria - September 16, 2021 KRC Genk's Paul Onuachu celebrates scoring their first goal REUTERS/Leonhard Foeger
Members of the press have been reacting to Southampton completing a deal for Nigeria striker Paul Onuachu on January transfer deadline day.
The Lowdown: Saints confirm Onuachu move…
The Saints confirmed Onuachu’s arrival from Jupiler Pro League side Genk in the final hours as manager Nathan Jones finally saw a new striker come through the door at St. Mary’s Stadium.
Southampton finalised a last-gasp move for the Super Eagles forward, thought to be in the region of £18 million, with journalists from the player’s continent now telling Saints fans what they can expect from Sport Republic’s new signing.
The Latest: Journalists react to ‘big’ Onuachu deal…
Taking to social media, various African reporters have reacted as the Premier League side for signing Onuachu with these claims suggesting St. Mary’s could be in for a treat.
“Paul Onuachu to Soton is a Big one – 2 Premier League clubs registered interest. West Ham & Soton. West Ham was close last season but Genk pulled the plug late on. Southampton refused to pay £30m for Moffi and paid £18m for Paul. 22 goals last and 18 this season. They won.” – Buchi Laba (Broadcast journalist, Wazobia FM)
“Paul Onuachu to Southampton for about £18.5m is exciting. He’s scored 16 goals in 18 league games for Genk this season.” – Emmanuel Etim (Journalist, Nigeria Info FM)
“Paul Onuachu to Southampton is a move that thrills me. He was left frustrated by his inability to find a bigger club last summer despite his consistent delivery at Genk. Yet, I wish he moved to a club that isn’t stuck at the bottom of the EPL. But, adversity, a man maketh.” – Lolade Adewuyi (Journalist, DW Sports)
The Verdict: Good move…
Southampton have been in dire need of a new forward given they currently lie bottom of the league table and are in serious danger of relegation.
The St. Mary’s side are among the league lowest goalscoring sides with only Everton and Wolves scoring fewer goals than Jones’ men.
A clinical striker like Onuachu, and for just £18m, is arguably what the club needs to a tee.
Overall, the 28-year-old bagged an incredible 85 goals and ten assists in 134 appearances for Genk before departing for England and a brilliant overall career haul of 164 in 329 outings (Transfermarkt).
It’s actually quite surprising he didn’t get a big move to Europe’s most decorated league sooner given just how proven he is at finding the back of the net.
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