Stuttgart to battle Union Berlin for Super Eagles star after Premier League misfire

The Nigerian international was a hitman of repute in the Belgian top flight but found the going tough in the English Premier League

Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu could be set for a departure from Southampton, with the German Bundesliga emerging as a potential destination, Soccernet.ng reports.

Speculation surrounding Onuachu’s future has ignited the rumour mill, and renowned Belgian transfer expert Sacha Tavolieri has shed light on the situation via his Twitter account.

🇳🇬🔴 #UPDATE
🇩🇪 #VfBStuttgart wants to double the competition for Paul #Onuachu !
Marked interest & discussions initiated with #SouthamptonFC. The #Bundesliga club really wants to sign the Nigeria striker.

⏳ To be continued. #mercato

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 #SaintsFC https://t.co/Q7WuFkQ7al pic.twitter.com/Rc44gCfiDS

— Sacha Tavolieri (@sachatavolieri) June 9, 2023

Tavolieri reports that VFB Stuttgart are at the forefront of pulling off a deal for Onuachu who impressed little at the Saints Mary Stadium.

Stuttgart have reportedly initiated negotiations with Southampton for Onuachu.

But it may not be a smooth operations for Stuttgart as Bundesliga rivals Union Berlin have also expressed keen interest in securing the services of the towering two-meter-tall striker.

However, Onuachu remains under contract with Southampton until the summer of 2026, implying that a transfer fee will be a prerequisite for any potential move.

The 29-year-old goal machine has also attracted attention from Turkish Super Lig champions Galatasaray and Saudi Arabian outfit Al Taawoun.

Throughout the Bundesliga season, Union Berlin encountered a serious challenge in front of goal with only one of their strikers netting double figures, making Onuachu an enticing target for the club.

Meanwhile, Galatasaray are in the market for a replacement for the departed Mauro Icardi, who returned to Paris Saint-Germain.

Al Taawoun are eager to bolster their attacking line for the upcoming season, hence their interest in the Super Eagles star.

Since joining Southampton during the January transfer window, Onuachu struggled to find his form and secure regular playing time as the Saints suffered relegation from the Premier League.

In stark contrast, the Nigerian striker enjoyed a prolific spell with Racing Genk, netting an impressive 16 goals in 19 games during the first half of the Jupiler Pro League season.

It seems increasingly likely that Paul Onuachu will not tread the arduous path to England’s lower-tier EFL Championship with Southampton, hinting at an imminent departure from the southern English club.

Union Berlin could provide the perfect stage for Onuachu to follow in the footsteps of his compatriot Taiwo Awoniyi, who made a lasting impact during his tenure with the German club before venturing into the Premier League.