Paul Onuachu’s long-running transfer saga has taken another decisive turn, as Turkish giants Besiktas are now reportedly withdrawing their interest in the Nigerian striker, frustrated by what they consider Southampton’s repeated delays and lack of clarity.
According to Turkish outlet Aspor, as cited by Saints Marching, Besiktas had earmarked Onuachu as a key target ahead of the summer transfer window.
The former Genk forward had impressed during his loan spell with Trabzonspor, where he scored 15 goals and created 4 assists in 19 starts, which is why he’s attracting firm interest from several top-flight Turkish clubs.
PUNCH Sports Extra previously cited a Yeniasir report that put the 24-times cap Nigerian international among the names being considered for Göztepe’s European project, but Besiktas is now believed to be leading that race.
However, Southampton’s handling of negotiations has reportedly been described as slow, indecisive and lacking in urgency. Despite the expectation that a permanent exit for Onuachu could benefit both parties, the English club have yet to make any definitive move to either finalise the sale or offer reassurances over the player’s future.
Saints Marching says this apparent slackness has now led Besiktas to reassess their plans, with reports suggesting that Ipswich Town’s rising talent Liam Delap has overtaken Onuachu on their striker shortlist.
The 21-year-old, who is currently enjoying a rich vein of form, is seen as a younger and more dynamic option with long-term potential, making him a more attractive prospect than waiting indefinitely for Southampton to reach a decision.
“Besiktas have decided to move on from the Nigerian forward. This is because the Turkish giants seem to have prioritised Ipswich’s in-form striker Liam Delap’s move. While it’s still speculation, Delap, being younger and in better form, has become Besiktas’ top priority,” Saints Marching, the British website wrote.
It is also believed that the Onuachu situation is a broader pattern at Southampton, one that their fans will find familiar as the club’s mishandling of Kyle Walker-Peters’ contract renewal, which dragged on for months without resolution, is a cautionary example of how hesitation can lead to diminished squad value and unnecessary exits.
“Southampton is on course to repeat Kyle Walker-Peters’ mistake with Onuachu,” Saints Marching continued. “The Saints delay their plans to renew his contract or sell him now, effectively tying him to the club until his contract expires. And given the way Onuachu is picking up form, he might only improve ahead.”
If Southampton fail to act decisively, they risk seeing Onuachu walk away for free at the end of his contract, a player who could otherwise bring in valuable transfer income. For a club hoping to rebuild for a serious promotion push next season, such indecision threatens not only financial loss but also squad planning and morale.