Al-Hilal Suffer Blow in Onuachu Pursuit as Trabzonspor Signing Makes Big Promise
New winger Aral Simsir says helping Paul Onuachu score is a priority, adding weight to the belief Trabzonspor plan to build their attack around the Nigerian rather than sell him to Saudi Arabia.
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Al-Hilal’s reported pursuit of Paul Onuachu may have hit a fresh obstacle, with Trabzonspor’s newest signing making clear he sees the Super Eagles striker as central to the Turkish club’s plans rather than a player heading for the exit.
Onuachu has been strongly linked with a lucrative switch to the Saudi Pro League after a standout season following his permanent move from Southampton, during which he scored 22 goals and added two assists in 30 Turkish Super Lig appearances to finish as the division’s top scorer and help fire Trabzonspor into European competition.
Despite the interest from Al-Hilal, Trabzonspor appear intent on strengthening the squad around their leading marksman rather than cashing in, and their business this summer supports that reading. The club are closing in on the signing of Danish winger Aral Simsir from FC Midtjylland in a deal reportedly worth an initial 13 million euros, with a further 2 million euros in performance related add-ons.
Speaking after touching down in Trabzon, Simsir explained that creating chances for Onuachu is one of his main goals, saying he will do everything he can to help the striker find the net. He described himself as comfortable playing as a number 10 or on the left wing, positions that would put him in a natural role feeding balls into the Nigerian’s path, and said he is settling in well after a move he had been expecting for some time given the club’s long-standing interest in him.
The arrival of a creative wide player suited to service Onuachu suggests Trabzonspor are doubling down on their star forward rather than preparing for his departure, a development that could complicate any move Al-Hilal are hoping to push through this summer.
Did You Know?
- Paul Onuachu finished as the Turkish Super Lig’s top scorer last season with 22 goals in 30 appearances.
- He joined Trabzonspor on a permanent transfer from Southampton after an initial loan spell.
- Trabzonspor’s Super Lig form last season was strong enough to secure the club a place in European competition.
- Aral Simsir is a 24-year-old Danish winger who has represented Denmark at Under-17 level.
- His move from FC Midtjylland to Trabzonspor is reportedly worth an initial 13 million euros, with up to 2 million euros in add-ons.
- Simsir said Trabzonspor had been following his progress for around five years before completing the signing.
- Onuachu previously played in the Belgian league for Genk before his move to England with Southampton.
