If the best players from leagues less prestigious than the five major European ones often manage to reach the upper echelon, it is not (yet) the case for Paul Onuachu. A proven striker in the Belgian league, the Nigerian still sees himself bound to the Pro League without attracting any big European offers.
This is the story of a very tall 2.01m striker who shines in Belgium without seducing Europe. Paul Onuachu has had a string of successful seasons in the Pro League, but no club will put the €20 million the selling price Genk are asking for on the table. Yet he has two seasons with 35 and 23 goals in all competitions.
There was no shortage of suitors, especially last summer, in England, France and Spain. But concrete offers have not been made while his teammate and compatriot Cyriel Dessers could join Italy this summer.
A profile that may not be a dream
With its two meters, one of the first qualities of Paul Onuachu is quickly found. The centre-forward is a great asset to his team in duels and set-pieces. He scored 13 goals with his head between the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons.
A great fox in the box, Onuachu's main area of maneuver remains the small box of truth. His lucidity in front of goal and intelligent positioning allow him to score goals weekend after weekend. These performances have earned him major awards such as "Golden Boot" and "Pro Footballer of the Year" in Belgium.
The 28 year old former Midtjylland striker does not have the technical quality of the trendy 9. He is not the one who takes off to make one-two with his teammates, but he is efficient in his profile. His name comes up in the transfer rumors, but obviously not as a priority of the courtiers.
