Paul Onuachu Interesting Racing Genk Amid Southampton Struggles

Nigerian striker Paul Onuachu may soon make a return to Belgium, with recent reports linking him with a move back to Racing Genk.

Although Southampton secured Onuachu from Genk in January 2023 for €21 million, the towering striker has struggled to make an impact in the Premier League.

Southampton’s Challenges with Onuachu

Since his arrival, Onuachu has seen only 6% of the playing minutes in the Premier League and remains goalless in five matches this season. The second half of the 2022/2023 season proved similarly unproductive for the striker, who failed to score in eleven appearances, totalling 405 minutes. His brief stint in the EFL Cup, with 23 minutes against Stoke City, also ended without a goal.

Following Southampton’s relegation, Onuachu was loaned to Trabzonspor, where he rediscovered his scoring form with 17 goals in 25 appearances. However, his future with Southampton appears uncertain as the club finds itself at the bottom of the league table and in need of a roster reshuffle ahead of the January transfer window.

A Return to Belgium?

Onuachu’s past success with Racing Genk—85 goals and 10 assists in 134 matches—has caught the club’s attention once more. Though Genk traditionally targets younger players with strong resale potential, they recognise that an experienced player like Onuachu could be valuable as they aim to contend for honours this season. The Nigerian striker has expressed an openness to returning to Belgium, if the opportunity arises.

According to sources, English clubs are monitoring Genk’s Tolu Arokodare, which could increase the chances of a move for Onuachu as a seasoned replacement. For Southampton, allowing Onuachu to leave—either through a loan or transfer—would provide financial relief after a costly and largely unproductive investment.

Potential Belgian Suitors

The Belgian transfer market could offer several opportunities for Onuachu. Kasper Dolberg’s future at Anderlecht remains uncertain, while Club Brugge’s Gustaf Nilsson is struggling with injuries. As Genk evaluates its options, the possibility of a loan deal with Southampton might offer a favourable solution for all parties involved.

Site Opinion

Southampton’s acquisition of Paul Onuachu exemplifies the risks associated with mid-season transfers. Signed as a last-minute bid to stave off relegation, Onuachu was expected to bring a physical presence and goalscoring prowess to the squad. Unfortunately, the Nigerian striker found it difficult to adapt to the Premier League’s demands, leaving Southampton with a costly asset and limited return on investment. His recent form in Turkey suggests that his potential wasn’t fully realised in England but that his quality remains evident.

For Racing Genk, bringing Onuachu back would be a notable return of a player who delivered impressively in his previous spell. As the club targets immediate success, an experienced goalscorer like Onuachu could offer the firepower they need in domestic and European competitions. While age may slightly reduce his resale value, his experience could give Genk the edge to secure a title, reinforcing the idea that some players are worth more for their immediate impact than future profit.