Southampton finds itself at a pivotal crossroads regarding the future of loanee striker Paul Onuachu, suggests transfer market reporter Dean Jones. Onuachu’s standout performances during his loan spell at Trabzonspor have presented the Saints with a dilemma, where they must decide whether to reintegrate him into the squad or leverage his heightened market value.

Signed for €18 million last January, Onuachu’s initial stint with Southampton yielded modest returns, with just 11 appearances before the club’s relegation. However, his loan venture in Turkey has witnessed a resurgence in form, with 12 goals in 19 games. Despite contending with injury setbacks and Africa Cup of Nations duties, Onuachu’s recent hat-trick and assist against Gaziantep underscore his renewed prowess.

Jones emphasizes the advantageous position Southampton finds itself in, stating, “Saints have a big call to make on Onuachu, and it could be a win-win situation.” He highlights the striker’s impressive goal tally this season, signaling positive prospects for the club. Whether Southampton opts to recall him, benefiting from his revitalized confidence, or considers a potential transfer due to his increased market value, the outcome remains uncertain.

However, uncertainties linger regarding Onuachu’s compatibility with Southampton’s tactical approach under Russell Martin. While his imposing stature could offer advantages in certain scenarios, Martin’s preference for agile and technically adept players poses a potential obstacle.

As Southampton navigates its options, careful consideration of Onuachu’s potential impact upon recall or the advantages of capitalizing on his current market value will be paramount.