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Paul Onuachu’s future at Southampton has come under question as the club has stripped him of his previous jersey number ahead of the 2024/2025 Premier League season. The Nigerian international, who wore the number 12 shirt during his past two seasons at the club, has now been reassigned the number 32 jersey. This change has fueled speculation about his possible departure from St. Mary's Stadium.

Onuachu, who played on loan at Turkish club Trabzonspor last season, is still linked with a return to the Super Lig. However, Southampton has been firm in their negotiations, insisting that their asking price for the striker must be met. Despite interest from Saudi Arabian side Al Okhdood, Onuachu Southampton's squad number reshuffle also sees Ronnie Edwards, a new summer signing from Peterborough United, taking over Onuachu's old number 12 jersey. Additionally, Onuachu’s fellow Nigerian teammates, Joe Aribo and Sam Edozie, have been given the numbers 7 and 23, respectively.bit.ly
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The decision by Southampton to change squad number ahead of the new season adds another layer of uncertainty to his future at the club. While jersey numbers may seem trivial, they often signal a player’s standing within the team. The reassignment from number 12 to number 32 suggests a shift in the club’s perception of Onuachu’s role, especially with ongoing speculation about his possible transfer to Trabzonspor.
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For Onuachu, the move away from his preferred number might be indicative of Southampton's plans to phase him out of their long term strategy. His successful loan spell in Turkey has kept him on Trabzonspor's radar, and with Southampton playing hardball in negotiations, it appears his future lies away from England. Despite interest from Saudi Arabia, Onuachu's preference for Trabzonspor may come down to the familiarity of the league and his positive experiences there.
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Southampton’s actions highlight the competitive and often transactional nature of football at the highest level. A player’s position within a club can change swiftly, especially during the transfer window. For Onuachu, the months ahead will be critical in determining where he will be playing next season, with his future now at the mercy of ongoing negotiations. The change in squad number might just be the beginning of his departure from St. Mary’s.

Did You Know?

Paul Onuachu stands at 6 feet 7 inches, making him one of the tallest strikers in European football.
He scored 33 goals in the 2020/2021 season while playing for Racing Genk in Belgium, earning him the title of top scorer.
Onuachu was named the Belgian Professional Footballer of the Year in 2021.
Trabzonspor won the Turkish Süper Lig title in the 2021/2022 season, their first league triumph in 38 years.
Joe Aribo, another Nigerian international playing for Southampton, featured in the 2022 UEFA Europa League final with Rangers.

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