SUPER Eagles striker Paul Onuachu has signed for Southampton where he will team up with his international teammate Joe Aribo.
The towering striker, 28, joined the Saints in an £18.5 million deadline day deal from Belgian Pro League leaders KRC Genk.
“Southampton Football Club is delighted to announce it has completed the signing of striker Paul Onuachu from Belgian club KRC Genk, subject to a work permit and international clearance,” the club announced on their official website in the early hours of today.
“The 28-year-old joins from the Jupiler Pro League leaders on a contract until 2026, becoming the fifth signing of the month for Nathan Jones’s squad, after the transfers of Mislav Oršić, Charly Alcaraz and James Bree, as well as fellow deadline-day arrival Kamaldeen Sulemana.”
Onuachu has been in superb scoring form for Genk this season, netting 17 goals in 22 appearances, making him the top scorer in the Belgian top flight.
In total, the 6’7 striker scored 85 goals in 134 games for Genk in all competitions, after joining them 2019 from Danish side FC Midtjylland, where he scored 71 times in 181 appearances.
Onuachu has also been capped 13 times for Nigeria, scoring three goals.
Southampton manager Nathan Jones said: “Paul is a significant signing for us and completes what has been an extremely positive month in terms of recruitment.
“He’s a handful to play against, has got a tremendous record throughout his career and he’s also someone who brings great experience with him, so he’ll be a really positive addition to the squad.”
Onuachu’s signing was announced about three hours after Southampton were knocked out of the Carabao Cup in the semi-final stage by Newcastle United.
The second leg at St James’s Park ended 2-1 in favour of Newcastle United, who proceeded to the final 3-1 on aggregate.
Aribo was a late substitute as Sean Longstaff scored Newcastle’s two goals and Che Adams struck for the Saints.
