The 32-year-old forward attracted significant attention after a prolific campaign in which he scored 22 goals in 30 Süper Lig appearances, finishing as one of the league’s joint-top scorers and helping Trabzonspor win the Turkish Cup.

But despite receiving what he described as serious offers, Onuachu says his preference has always been to stay in Trabzon.

“There was interest from various sources,” Onuachu told the Star. “There were clubs from Türkiye that wanted me. There were very serious offers. However, my heart didn’t want to go anywhere other than Trabzon. The city, the fans, and the atmosphere here give me a different feeling and courage.”

His decision comes after several high-profile clubs were reportedly interested in signing him following his outstanding season.

Fenerbahçe were said to have made a formal €20m offer, alongside forward Oğuz Aydın, in an attempt to persuade Trabzonspor to part with their striker.

Galatasaray also emerged as a possible destination, with reports suggesting they hoped Nigeria team-mate Victor Osimhen could influence Onuachu to join the reigning Turkish champions.

Beşiktaş were also linked with the striker, while Saudi Pro League sides Al-Ahli and Al Hilal were reportedly prepared to offer substantially improved financial terms.

Al-Ahli were reported to be willing to increase Onuachu’s wages by four or five times. Trabzonspor, however, accused the Saudi club of contacting the player without the Turkish club’s permission and referred the matter to FIFA.

There was also interest from Germany, where Bayer Leverkusen, Wolfsburg and Werder Bremen were all reported to be monitoring the Nigerian’s situation.

Trabzonspor are nevertheless in a strong position to retain their leading scorer because Onuachu’s contract runs until 2028.

The club values him at between €25m and €30m and has already turned down bids reported to be between €11m and €20m. Trabzonspor have also been unwilling to sell to domestic competitors unless their valuation is met.

For Onuachu, however, the decision to stay is about more than his footballing future.

The striker explained that his attachment to Trabzon began when he first arrived and that he had worked hard to return to the club after his time at Southampton.

“From the moment I arrived, this city gave me the feeling that ‘This is where I belong.’ I worked very hard to rejoin, but in the end, the clubs are the decision-makers. You have to respect the clubs’ decisions.”

Onuachu said he remained convinced throughout the process that Trabzonspor was where he wanted to play.

“I told myself that joining here and playing for Trabzonspor was destiny. It was part of my fate. And I never gave up on that belief. I showed my desire to join Trabzonspor.”

The former Genk striker said his preference was particularly clear when he was preparing to leave Southampton.

“If I left Southampton, it would either be Trabzonspor or nowhere at all. I always maintained this desire. I had a different connection with this place. From the moment I first set foot here, I felt very happy.”

He also highlighted the relationships he has developed with senior figures at the club as part of the reason for his decision.

“I have a special connection with the club. I’ve also formed a special bond with the president and vice-presidents. I’m glad I chose this place. When I was leaving Southampton, I said it would either be Trabzonspor or nowhere else. I’m glad I came here.”

Onuachu’s decision follows a season in which his performances made him one of the most sought-after forwards in the region.

He finished the campaign with 28 goals and two assists in 43 appearances for club and country. Four of those goals came in six Turkish Cup matches, including two in Trabzonspor’s 2-1 final victory over Konyaspor.

His domestic form earned him the Süper Lig Golden Boot, while his contribution helped Trabzonspor secure the Turkish Cup.

On the international stage, Onuachu also featured for Nigeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. He scored once in five appearances as the Super Eagles finished the tournament with a bronze medal.

With his future now apparently settled, Trabzonspor can look forward to retaining a striker who was central to their success last season, while Onuachu will continue his career at a club he says has given him a strong sense of belonging.