Trabzonspor open talks for striker

Trabzonspor have opened talks to sign Nigerian striker Rafiu Durosinmi from Italian club Pisa as the former Turkish Süper Lig champions look to bolster their attack ahead of a Europa League campaign next season, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

According to Italian transfer expert Nicolò Schira, the Black Sea Storm have already initiated negotiations with Pisa, who are expected to demand a fee close to the €9m they paid to sign Durosinmi in January.

The move comes after a difficult half-season for the forward in Italy. Pisa have been relegated from Serie A, and Durosinmi managed just one goal and one assist in 12 appearances — a stark contrast to the form that had made him one of Czech football’s most feared forwards.

During his time at Viktoria Plzen, the Super Eagles hopeful scored 35 goals and provided 10 assists in 86 appearances, drawing attention from Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt two years ago before a serious long-term injury derailed those plans.

Trabzonspor’s pursuit is driven partly by uncertainty over the future of their main striker, Paul Onuachu, who scored 24 goals and contributed two assists in 35 appearances this season but is attracting interest from Saudi Arabian clubs and teams in Europe’s top five leagues.

Pisa’s relegation to Serie B is expected to make them receptive to negotiations, as the Italian club will need to reduce their wage bill and trim their squad for life in the second tier.

A fresh start at Trabzonspor could offer Durosinmi the platform to rediscover his best form and push for a maiden Super Eagles call-up, with growing calls in Nigerian football circles for the 23-year-old to be integrated into the national team setup.

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