A proposed swap deal involving English Championship side Southampton and its Belgian counterpart Genk, involving Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu and Ghana’s Joseph Paintsil, has collapsed.
According to The Athletic, Onuachu and his former Genk teammate turned down the move.
The clubs had been negotiating a deal valued at €8 million (£6.8 million) plus €2 million (£1.7 million) in bonuses, but the players’ rejection resulted in the cancellation of the transfer.
Onuachu joined Southampton in February on a three-and-a-half-year contract from Genk. Despite making 12 appearances for the south coast side, the 29-year-old is yet to score a goal.
Paintsil, the Ghana Black Stars winger who has been with Genk since 2018, experienced a loan spell at Turkish side Ankaragucu during the 2020-21 season. With 143 appearances for Genk, he has contributed 32 goals to the club’s tally.
In a parallel development, Leeds Uniave entered the fray by offering €10 million to acquire Joseph Paintsil from KRC Genk.
The proposed transfer also includes a sell-on clause for the Belgian club, though they have not yet responded to the offer. Should negotiations stall, Leeds United is prepared to consider alternative options in their pursuit of the talented winger.
