Southampton Striker Could Still Depart In The Next Week
Southampton striker Paul Onuachu could still join former club Genk this week, with the Belgian transfer window still open, according to Voetbal Nieuws, via Sport Witness.
The 29-year-old only joined the Saints in February, but has endured a nightmare time on the south coast. He has failed to score in his 12 appearances to date and has been left on the fringes of the squad since Southampton’s relegation to the Championship. The Nigerian international’s only outing this season came as a substitute in the Carabao Cup defeat against Gillingham last month and he has failed to make the matchday squad in all five of their opening league fixtures.
As a result, Onuachu has been consistently linked with a move away from the club and Genk were thought to be leading the race to bring him back to the club where he hit a staggering 85 goals in 134 appearances.
There were talks of a swap deal involving Ghana international Joseph Paintsil last week, but the winger was not keen on the switch to the Championship.
According to reports from Belgium, Genk have still not given up hope on bringing the player back to the club, with their transfer window remaining open until September 6th. However, it does look unlikely at this stage, although it is claimed that there is still a chance that the difference in valuations between the two clubs ‘can be bridged’.
Genk finished runners up in last season’s Belgian Pro League and have started this season with two wins, a draw and a defeat.
Writer’s View
It is in Southampton’s best interests to allow Onuachu to return to a club in which he is considered a hero. It’s clear that he is not in manager Russell Martin’s plans and the Deadline Day acquisition of Ross Stewart will see him fall further down the pecking order.
The Saints will be keen to recoup the majority of the £18 million fee they paid for him earlier this year, but they have to be realistic and realise that his form for the club will have seen his valuation drop. It would be unfair on the player to refuse him a move, particularly with him unlikely to receive much time on the pitch.
Why Man City defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis chose Southampton over Premier League move
The 21-year-old signed a contract extension with Manchester City but could have played his last game for the club, with a permanent option included in the deal.
Southampton director of football Jason Wilcox insists Taylor Harwood-Bellis turned down Premier League interest as he deemed the Championship side a ‘better fit’.
Harwood-Bellis joined Southampton on deadline day, agreeing a season-long loan with Russell Martin’s side after signing a contract extension at Manchester City. The 21-year-old’s will be made permanent for around £20million, should he help the south coast outfit win promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.
Having enjoyed an excellent season with Burnley, the defender had been tipped to make the jump and join a top-flight side and City were open to a permanent exit. However, no one matched their £15million valuation, allowing a loan deal to be done as the deadline closed in.
There was interest in the England under-21 star from Premier League sides, but former City academy director Wilcox believes a move to St. Mary’s will better aide his development.
“There is no doubt that he wants to play in the Premier League,” Wilcox told BBC Radio Solent. “He had Premier League interest and he looked at the teams that were giving him opportunities in the Premier League and he thought that Southampton was a better fit.
“He’s got to compete, we have got Jan Bednarek, Jack Stephens and Mason Holgate. Taylor hasn’t come here not knowing that he has to fight. He won’t be shoehorned in.
“Taylor is a leader of men, I know him – he’s got experience and a very mature head on his shoulders. I’ve been on a journey with him through the academy and he’s a great signing for us.
“He’s again somebody who is dependable and trustworthy. He’s also highly reflective of his own performances and trains like he plays.”
Harwood-Bellis got a tough introduction to life at Southampton, watching on from the bench as his new side were thumped 5-0 at Sunderland on Saturday afternoon. The youngster may hope that such a dismal defensive performance could open up a spot for him sooner, rather than later.
