Premier League sides Southampton and West Ham United are eyeing a move for Genk forward Paul Onuachu. The Saints and the Hammers are likely to make a move for him during the January transfer window.
According to a report in Fotboll Transfers, the 27-year-old has caught the attention of the two English clubs and they want to bring him on board asap.
Who is Paul Onuachu?
The centre-forward currently plays for Belgian side Genk joining them back in the summer of 2019 from FC Midtjylland.
Genk had paid £5.4m for his services and the club have already had their money’s recouped as Onuachu has been on fire ever since joining the Juliper Pro League.
Last season the Nigerian international had scored 33 goals in 38 league matches and this campaign, he’s already netted nine goals in 10 domestic appearances.
🤝 Transfer Talk
Southampton are tracking 27 year-old striker Paul Onuachu. The Nigerian international has scored 11 goals in 14 games this season for Belgian side Genk.#saintsfc
[Sport Witness] pic.twitter.com/n45fkwoCn7— Southampton FC Updates (@TheSaintCentre) October 17, 2021
He’s also a full-time Nigerian international and has scored three goals in 15 caps.
Do the Saints or West Ham need Paul Onuachu?
West Ham United are looking to bring in a partner for Michail Antonio and someone like Onuachu could solve all of Moyes’ problems for the second half of the season. Antonio has been playing in top gear till now but since the Hammers are playing in Europe, fatigue could kick in at any point.
The Saints have managed to fill the void left behind by Danny Ings by signing Adam Armstrong but Hasenhuttl’s side are still struggling in the attacking department. Southampton has scored only six goals in their first eight appearances.
The Nigerian is currently valued at £19 million and his current deal expires in 2024 so the Saints or West Ham have to shell out a fair amount of money to get their hands on him. But given his goal-tally, there’s a big chance that he could be playing in the Premier League by the end of the January transfer window.
Paul Onuachu will be playing for Genk against West Ham United in the Europa League on Thursday so we can get a closer look at him and see just how talented and influential the 27-year-old is.
