Nigerian International, Paul Onuachu has finally made his ‘dream’ move to English Top flight side, Southampton FC from Belgium outfit, K.R.C Genk on transfer deadline day.
The 6ft7 inches Super Eagles attacker, completed his move to ‘The Saints’ from current Belgium league table toppers Genk for €18m(£15.9m) plus €3(£2.7m) in bonuses on a three and half year deal after successful completion of medicals and other paperwork.
The 28-year-old former FC Midtjylland striker, in an interview with Eleven Sport discloses that he is delighted to play in the English Premier League, as it was a tough decision to depart Genk.
“I am happy to of course fulfil my childhood dream to play in the Premier League”, he told Eleven sport. “But you know it is a difficult decision, a difficult situation and it’s so emotional with everything I have achieved with Genk; the players, the coaches it is very emotional situation,” Onuachu said.
The 16-time cap Nigerian forward further states why he chose to swap The Cegeka Arena for Saint Mary’s stadium.
“It is an opportunity, it is the best league in the world. It is every player’s dream to play there. I think that is most of the reason why I want to try there because it is the best league in the world to try something new. I’m face with a little bit of competition, a lot of rumour from teams in the UK and other countries, a lot of transfers have passed, I think this the best chance for me to grab the opportunity.”
Paul was quizzed if he has come to help rescue the team that is currently bottom of the league, The big man express that he and the team will give their all to ensure the Saints beat the drop.
“Of course they bought me for a purpose and I’m going to really try to give my best and show my purpose of them buying me, but of course you know it is a whole team game not just one person’s game and I think me and the team as a whole will fight to stay in the league”
🗣️ | Paul Onuachu over zijn nakende transfer naar @SouthamptonFC! 🔜🏴 pic.twitter.com/UoEpVygQqZ
— Eleven Sports (NL) (@ElevenSportsBEn) January 31, 2023
The Saint made Paul Onuachu their fifth signing of the January transfer window, with the striker joining until 2026.
Meanwhile, Southampton boss 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.”
The prolific striker leaves the Belgian Jupiler pro league side with 85 goals in 134 games for the club, which he joined in 2019 from Danish side FC Midtjylland, for whom he scored 71 times in 181 appearances.
