Trabzonspor are chasing the signature of three Southampton players this summer
According to Turkish outlet Fanatik, the Super Lig outfit is weighing up a move for Duje Caleta-Car and Jan Bednarek at the end of the season.
Paul Onuachu has spent the campaign on loan from the Saints, and has been linked with a permanent move to the club.
But Trabzonspor’s interest in the Hampshire outfit may not end there, with two more signings from the Championship side also being targeted.
Caleta-Car has spent this campaign on loan with Ligue 1 club Lyon, while Bednarek has been a key part of Russell Martin’s first team squad at St. Mary’s.
Trabzonspor eyeing Southampton trio
It is believed that Onuachu is going to ask Southampton to sanction a permanent sale to Trabzonspor, indicating his desire to remain with the Turkish side beyond his loan spell.
He may even be joined by two fellow Saints teammates if he does secure his future with the Süper Lig outfit.
Trabzonspor have also identified Caleta-Car and Bednarek as transfer targets for the upcoming window.
Caleta-Car has been with Southampton since 2022, joining from French side Marseille, but he made just 13 appearances for the club in the Premier League prior to their relegation in 2023 (all stats from Fbref).
This led to his temporary departure last summer, joining Lyon on loan for the campaign.
He has featured 21 times in Ligue 1 this year, with Lyon competing for European qualification for next season.
Meanwhile, Bednarek has been with the south coast club since 2017, and returned from a loan spell with Aston Villa in 2023 to become a key player under Martin.
The Poland international has featured regularly in the Championship, and has helped the team secure a play-off place.
However, both defenders are now attracting interest from Turkey, and could exit St. Mary’s this summer.
The Croatian centre-back has a contract with Southampton until 2026, while Bednarek is entering the final 12 months of his current deal with the Saints.
Paul Onuachu transfer value
| Paul Onuachu – Trabzonspor league goals and appearances (per Fbref.com) | ||||
| Season | Appearances (Starts) | Goals (Assists) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | 18 (16) | 12 (4) | ||
It was previously reported that the Championship side had placed a €12 (£10.3) million price tag on the forward’s future.
But Trabzonspor are only willing to pay €10 (£8.5) million, meaning an impasse has been reached in negotiations.
It remains to be seen whether this difference in valuation can be resolved, with the forward keen to remain in Turkey.
The Nigerian has contributed 12 goals and four assists from 18 appearances in the league so far this season.
Trabzonspor keen to deal with Southampton
Trabzonspor and Southampton obviously have a lot to discuss in the coming weeks given this is now three players they’re interested in.
A lot will surely depend on the club’s promotion status, with Martin’s team set to compete in the play-offs later this month.
Caleta Car and Onuachu could both leave without too much of a fuss given their absences have not been felt this season.
But Bednarek has proven quite useful this year, and the Saints lack defensive depth even with Taylor Harwood-Bellis in on loan, so may want to hold onto the defender even as he enters the final year of his contract.
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