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By Johnny Edward and Anthony Nlebem.
Southampton manager, Nathan Jones, believes new signing Paul Onuachu will be a handful for defenders in the Premier League, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The 6ft 7in striker joined the Saints from the Jupiler Pro League leaders Genk on a three-and-a-half year deal worth £18m, becoming the club’s fifth signing in January, after the transfers of Mislav Orsic, Charly Alcaraz and James Bree, as well as fellow deadline-day arrival Kamaldeen Sulemana.
Onuachu scored 17 goals in 22 appearances for Genk this campaign — 85 goals in 134 games for the club — making him the top scorer in the Belgian topflight.
“Paul is a significant signing for us and completes what has been an extremely positive month in terms of recruitment,” Jones said.
“He’s a handful to play against, has got a tremendous record throughout his career and he’s also someone who brings great experience with him, so he’ll be a really positive addition to the squad.”
Meanwhile, Genk sports director, Dimitri De Conde, said the club is happy Onuachu finally realised his Premier League dream.
“He reiterated that dream today during a long conversation. We could no longer stop him from making his dream come true, ” De Conde told the club’s official website.
“I am pleased that Onuachu is also grateful to the club for that. His departure is of course a great loss for our current selection. We shouldn’t be silly about that. But we were prepared for a possible departure.”
Onuachu himself gave an emotional farewell message to the supporters in a video message shared on his social media account.
“I want to thank everyone who has helped me grow here. The different coaches, the technical staff and of course the supporters. I wish the club the best for the future. It is my greatest wish that they can take the title. Genk will always be my home, wherever I go.” said Onuachu.
Onuachu scored 85 goals in 134 games for Genk and 71 goals in 181 appearances for Danish side FC Midtjylland.
Southampton manager Nathan Jones expressed his pleasure in welcoming the 29-year-old to St Mary’s Stadium.
“Paul is a significant signing for us and completes what has been an extremely positive month in terms of recruitment,” Jones told the Saints’ website.
“He’s a handful to play against, has got a tremendous record throughout his career and he’s also someone who brings great experience with him, so he’ll be a really positive addition to the squad.”
Onuachu himself said goodbye to the club and fans in a personal video on social media.
“I want to thank everyone who has helped me grow here. The different coaches, the technical staff and of course the supporters,” he said.
“I wish the club the best for the future. It is my greatest wish that they can take the title. Genk will always be my home, wherever I go.”
Onuachu who has made 16 appearances for Nigeria, scoring three times, could make his Premier League debut for the Saints when they face Brentford on Saturday.
The former Midtjylland striker guided Genk to win the Belgian Cup, won the Golden and Ebony Shoes, and the top scorer award, but faces a tough task powering Southampton, who are 20th on the EPL log, out of the murky relegation waters.