Some fans have expressed disappointment after Nigeria international Paul Onuachu left Belgian club Genk to join struggling English Premier League side Southampton, Sports Extra reports. On the transfer deadline day, Onuachu signed a three‑and‑a‑half‑year contract with the Saints after Southampton and Genk agreed on a £15.8 million deal plus add‑ons for the lanky striker, who had also been linked with Everton.
The 28‑year‑old has been in top form for Genk since joining them from FC Midtjylland in 2019, scoring 16 goals in 19 Jupiler League appearances this season to become the league’s leading scorer. At Southampton, he will link up with compatriot Joe Aribo, who joined the club last summer from Glasgow Rangers. However, their partnership has not been well received by some Nigerian fans, who questioned Onuachu’s decision to join a club battling relegation.
Emmanuel Adedeji said, “Some of our players never cease to amaze me with their moves and the desire to play in the EPL. Why would Onuachu leave Genk, which stands a chance of playing in the Europa League, for a club battling relegation? Not the best move, I must say.” Rita Akin added, “I think he should have gone to Germany or Italy with clubs that have a chance of finishing in the top four or at least mid‑table. Going to a club that already looks like it will be relegated is not a wise decision.” Hunga Paul commented, “I think our players can do better when it comes to making decisions with their transfers. A lot of them are either fighting to survive relegation or playing in the lower divisions. This is not good for our national team at all and it saddens me to see things like this.” King Shaku cheekily noted, “It is a good move for him if the team does not end up in the relegation zone this season.”
Chidi Peter also frowned on the decision, saying, “That is a step down for me apart from the money involved. Signing for a relegation‑bound team isn’t good.” Jimmy, questioning the move on Twitter, wrote, “I just don’t understand this move. From a table‑topping team to a relegation‑battling team. Makes no sense at all.”
Onuachu has netted 70 goals across the last three JPL campaigns, at least 25 more than any other player during that period.
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