Trabzonspor’s dispute with Saudi Pro League giants Al-Ahli over Paul Onuachu has officially escalated after the Turkish club lodged a complaint with FIFA over what they describe as an illegal approach for the Super Eagles striker.
The move marks the latest twist in one of the biggest transfer stories involving a Nigerian player this summer, with reports also indicating Trabzonspor have already begun preparing for life without their prolific forward should they fail to keep him.
Why have Trabzonspor reported Al-Ahli?
Trabzonspor accuse Al-Ahli of opening direct negotiations with Onuachu despite the striker remaining under contract with the Turkish club until 2028.
Under FIFA regulations, clubs are generally prohibited from negotiating directly with players unless they have entered the final six months of their contracts or have received permission from the player’s current club.
According to reports from Turkey, Trabzonspor believe Al-Ahli breached those rules and have formally asked FIFA to investigate the matter.
If FIFA rules against the Saudi club, Al-Ahli could face disciplinary sanctions, including financial penalties.
Why is Onuachu attracting so much interest?
The Nigerian striker enjoyed one of the finest seasons of his career after joining Trabzonspor permanently from Southampton.
He scored an outstanding 26 goals and registered two assists in just 26 appearances across all competitions, helping the club secure a top-three finish in the Turkish Super Lig and lift the Turkish Cup while finishing as the league’s top scorer.
Those performances inevitably attracted attention from several clubs, but Al-Ahli have emerged as the most determined suitor.
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The financial gap behind the transfer battle
Money has become one of the biggest talking points in the saga.
Trabzonspor signed Onuachu from Southampton for around €5.67 million and currently pay him an annual salary of approximately €2 million.
Reports suggest Al-Ahli have offered the striker a staggering package worth around €22 million per season, equivalent to roughly €450,000 per week.
The Saudi club are also believed to have tabled a transfer offer worth €20 million, substantially above Trabzonspor’s original investment.
Onuachu now 32, the proposal is widely viewed as the opportunity to secure the biggest contract of his professional career.
Why have Trabzonspor rejected the offer?
Despite the financial incentive, Trabzonspor are unwilling to lose one of their most influential players without following the proper transfer process.
Club officials reportedly insist they will only negotiate once Onuachu formally communicates his desire to leave, something he has not yet done.
The Turkish side also remain unhappy with the manner in which Al-Ahli allegedly conducted discussions with the player before reaching an agreement with the club.
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Trabzonspor already preparing for life after Onuachu
Although Trabzonspor remain determined to keep the Nigerian striker, Turkish media report the club have already started scouting potential replacements.
The Black Sea Storm are said to be monitoring center forwards in Brazil and across Africa, recognising that matching the financial muscle of Saudi clubs could prove extremely difficult if Onuachu decides to pursue the lucrative move.
The contingency planning reflects growing concern within the club that, despite the FIFA complaint, they may eventually lose their leading scorer.
What happens next?
The outcome now depends on two parallel developments. First, FIFA will assess Trabzonspor’s complaint to determine whether Al-Ahli violated transfer regulations.
Secondly, negotiations between the two clubs could still resume if Onuachu formally requests a move and both sides agree on a transfer fee.
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As it stands, Trabzonspor are fighting on two fronts: protecting what they believe are their contractual rights while simultaneously planning for the possibility that the Super Eagles star could be heading to Saudi Arabia before the transfer window closes.
