Turkish Super Lig club, Trabzonspor, have filed a complaint with FIFA against Saudi Pro League side, Al-Ahli, over their handling of the transfer pursuit of Super Eagles striker, Paul Onuachu, accusing the Saudi club of making contact with the player without their consent, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Onuachu was Trabzonspor’s standout performer last season, contributing 26 goals and two assists in 26 appearances across all competitions, form that helped the Black Sea Storm finish in the top three of the Turkish league and win the Turkish Cup. He also won the league’s top-scorer title.
His performances have since attracted interest from clubs across Europe and beyond, with Al-Ahli understood to be the most persistent suitor, reportedly willing to quadruple his current salary to land him.
However, Trabzonspor are unhappy with the manner in which the Saudi club have gone about their pursuit. According to Puskas Sports, the Turkish club allege that Al-Ahli approached Onuachu directly to discuss a potential offer, in breach of regulations, given that the striker still has two years remaining on his contract. Under FIFA rules, a club is only permitted to negotiate with a player during the final six months of his deal.
Trabzonspor are said to be willing to sell Onuachu, but only for a fee in the region of €10m to €15m, while the striker would also be required to formally request the move himself, something he is yet to do.
Should FIFA rule against Al-Ahli, the Saudi club could face a fine, while Onuachu’s immediate future is expected to remain a subject of interest as the transfer window progresses.
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