Southampton coach labels Onuachu ‘a different beast’

By Daily Sports Nigeria on August 12, 2024

Southampton manager Russell Martin has described Nigeria international Paul Onuachu as ‘a different Paul’ to the player he saw last season after the striker made a surprise return to action for the Saints, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The 30-year-old striker came in as a substitute in the 72nd minute of Southampton’s 0-0 draw with Getafe in their final pre-season friendly on Saturday.

His 18-minute cameo was his only appearance for Southampton since the 3-1 EFL Cup defeat to Gillingham more than a year ago in August 2023.

Following an impressive performance for KRC Genk in the Belgian League, Onuachu caught the attention of the Saints, who eventually paid €18m to sign him during the January transfer window of the 2022/23 season.

The lanky striker failed to replicate his fantastic form as he struggled to adapt to life in England, failing to score in his 12 appearances for the Saints, which led to a season-long loan move.

With the Black Sea Storm, the red-hot Onuachu scored 17 goals and provided four assists in 25 matches, catching the eye of Trabzonspor, who are keen to extend his stay.

While his next move is yet to be sorted out, the striker was in action for the Premier League club against the Spanish side, and his boss was impressed with his performance.

“I just think he’s different from what we have. He’s trained really, really well,” Martin told the Daily Echo.

“He’s a different Paul to the one I came across last season in terms of confidence. I think the last preseason was so difficult for so many of them.

“They hadn’t had a chance in the Premier League, or they’d come in January and not really taken to it that well.

“This summer he’s a different beast, and whilst he’s here, same as Kyle Walker-Peters, we will try and utilise him.”

Saints would like to sell Onuachu before the transfer window closes but have only received one offer from Trabzonspor—a £5m bid, which was rejected.

Saints begin their league campaign with a trip to Newcastle United on Saturday, August 17—with Sekou Mara and Onuachu their only fit number nines.

Source Punch Ng

Posted August 12, 2024


 

You may also like...
Premier League 2019/20 Season to Start on August...

Man City’s Mendy Self-Isolating After Virus Test

Real Madrid’s Jovic Suffers Heel Break

Image rights delay Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United deal...

Eagles retain FIFA ranking

Man Utd 0-1 Atletico Madrid (Agg: 1-2): Champions...

 

Latest News CAF awards: Ajibade, Nnadozie, Edo Queens bag nominations Lagos SWAN, PAACC Hold SWAN Day At Golfview Hotels, Ikeja Crisis looms as Eagles’ form raises AFCON, W’Cup concerns Ex-Nigerian Super Falcons player handcuffed, children assaulted as police storm Anambra Football Academy Sports NFF, teammates console Nwabali on father’s death Abia Govt hails Nigeria Olympic Committee over staging an admin course in Umuahia Libya deliver Eagles 2025 AFCON ticket Eagles battle Cheetahs for 2025 AFCON ticket Yellow Greens gear up for T20 W’Cup qualifiers Tyson tips Fury to beat Joshua Sadiq absent as 22 Eagles train in Abidjan Eagles’ striking trio hot for Cheetahs, Amavubi clashes

 

Most Read Rangers International going, going . . . (55,164 views) Amaju Pinnick: A cat with nine lives (46,307 views) Second Term: Amaju Pinnick, Other NFF Heavyweights Home to Roost •How Pinnick Broke the Jinx (44,370 views) Missing $150,000 IAAF Grant: Solomon Dalung’s Hide and Seek game (44,015 views) Sports Development: Zenith Bank on the zenith (43,948 views) Current issues in Nigerian sports: Matters arising (43,904 views) Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje’s solid footprints, commitment to sports development in Kano State (43,742 views) NFF Presidency: Pinnick, Maigari, Ogunjobi, Okoye in Battle for Supremacy (43,311 views) Olopade, BET9A wave of revolution in NNL (42,366 views) Commonwealth Games 2018: Shame of Muhammadu Buhari, Solomon Dalung (41,054 views) Ibrahimovic’s Man U exit: Whose decision is it? And in whose interest? (39,506 views) John Mikel Obi: Segun Odegbami’s Outrageous Call! (38,931 views)

 

Phone numbers

Tel: +234(0)8066020976
+234(0)8055068145
+234(0)7013416146
+234(0)8094272884

Email addresses

info@dailysportsng.com
support@dailysportsng.com
publisher@dailysportsng.com

Office address

No 3, Adetoun Close, Off College Road, Ogba, Ikeja Lagos.
Website: www.dailysportsng.com

Social Media