Onuachu counters Club Brugge manager over failed summer transfer

Damola Ogungbe 22:46 - 20.09.2022

Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu has opened up over a failed transfer to Belgian Pro League side Club Brugge during the just-concluded 2022 summer transfer window.

The KRC Genk forward was linked with a move away from the club on numerous occasions with clubs such as Wolverhampton Wanderers, Sevilla, and Club Brugge all credited with an interest in the Nigerian international.

However, the 28-year-old would not see any move materialise as he stayed with the Wouter Vrancken-led side till the Belgian transfer window shut. 

Onuachu, who has scored 57 league goals in the last three seasons, was linked with moving to local rivals Club Brugge ahead of the start of the season but the move broke down.

Earlier in the transfer window, General Manager of Club Brugge Vincent Mannaert had alleged that Onuachu was offered to his club but disputed that the club were not interested in the Super Eagles striker.

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Mannaert earlier told MIDMID Podcast as reported by Voetbalkrant: "Onuachu has been offered to Club Brugge by brokers. That's the way it is today. But we immediately made it clear that there was no interest.”

However, Onuachu has now come out to dispute Mannaert's version of events, stating that there was never anything concrete contact or communication by Genk with Club Brugge over a transfer.

The Super Eagles striker went on to suggest that a move to Club Brugge would have never materialised anyway because it would be a 'sideways' move for him. 

Onuachu also stated that the Genk board would not have sanctioned a transfer to a local rival as they are keen on competing for the league title themselves.

"The interest was concrete. But why should I leave KRC Genk for Club Brugge? In my view that is a step sideways," Onuachu told  Het Laatste Nieuws as quoted by Voetbalkrant.

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"The board was also clear that a domestic transfer is not an option. We just want to compete in the title fight this season."

Onuachu has been struggling with injuries in the beginning stages of the 2022/23 Belgian Pro League season, featuring in only six matches so far without scoring any goals yet.

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