Paul Onuachu returns to training ahead of Kasimpasa fixture

Trabzonspor striker Paul Onuachu has returned to team training following an injury setback. The Nigerian forward missed the club's previous two training sessions after sustaining a knock during a 2-1 friendly defeat against Goztepe.

Onuachu's return to the squad on Wednesday provides coach Fatih Tekke with a positive selection update. There have been no fresh setbacks reported since he rejoined the session. Barring any unexpected issues, the 6ft 7in striker is expected to start in the opening weekend of the 2026-27 Trendyol Süper Lig season against Kasimpasa on Saturday, 15 August.

The striker's availability is significant given his scoring output last season. Onuachu finished the previous campaign with 26 goals in all competitions, including 22 goals in the Süper Lig, which saw him share the league's top-scorer award.

His form has attracted significant transfer interest during the summer window. Fenerbahçe attempted to sign the forward with proposals including €20m in cash plus Oğuz Aydın, while İsmail Yüksek was also discussed in earlier transfer ideas. Trabzonspor rejected offers in the €20m to €25m range, maintaining a minimum asking price of €30m, with some club figures valuing him as high as €40m.

Beyond Turkish interest, Saudi Arabian clubs Al Hilal and Al Ahli have also been linked with the striker. However, Onuachu has expressed his desire to remain at Trabzonspor, telling supporters that the club is where he belongs. Trabzonspor are targeting the league title following the signing of Mohamed Salah and are close to completing the transfer of Darwin Nunez from Al Hilal.