)
Saints boss Nathan Jones explained why new signing Onuachu could only make his debut as a substitute
Nigerian striker Paul Onuachu made his debut for Southampton as a half-time substitute in a 3-0 defeat away at Brentford.
The debut came four days after Onuachu joined the club in an €18 million deal from KRC Genk on deadline day.
Many questioned Southampton manager Nathan Jones' decision to not start his new target man and he has come out to reveal the reason.
Why Onuachu started on the bench
The inquiries into Jones' decision to not start Onuachu against Brentford is mainly due to the fact that the Nigerian striker was impressive after coming off the bench at half-time along with fellow new signing, Kamaldeen Sulemana.
)
Jones has now had to defend his decision by revealing why both of his new signings could not have started the game against Brentford for Southampton.
“We didn’t start them last week because they’d spent more time in a passport office than on the training pitch. That was the logical and right decision to make,” the English manager said on Onuachu and Sulemana.
Jones' comment at a press conference was referencing the fact that Onuachu and Sulemana had to secure visas and work permits which hampered their ability to join the team immediately after signing.
Onuachu replaced Mohammed Elyounoussi at half-time and made a noticeable difference with three key passes and contesting 13 aerial duels.
)
Onuachu is expected to start Southampton's next game on Saturday at home to Wolves as the Saints look to finally leave the bottom of the Premier League table.
Related content
)
15:47 - 07.02.2023
SUPER EAGLES ‘It’s a huge challenge’ - Onuachu relishes Southampton chance
Nigerian striker Paul Onuachu expressed his commitment to the Southampton cause
18:09 - 04.02.2023
PREMIER LEAGUE Onuachu makes debut as Southampton are battered by Brentford
The only positive for Southampton was seeing their new signings
)
08:20 - 03.02.2023
PREMIER LEAGUE Paul Onuachu and ex-England star are the league’s tallest players
The Nigeria international is yet to play in the Premier League but his tall height is already making a big splash.
)
21:56 - 02.02.2023
OPINION Onuachu faces historic battle to succeed in the PL
In order to transfer his goal scoring to the Premier League, the Nigeria international striker will need to overcome the weight of history.
)
09:29 - 01.02.2023
OPINION Classic target man: What Saints can expect from Onuachu
Nigerian striker Paul Onuachu has completed a move to Southampton. Here is what the Saints can expect from their newest acquisition.
07:47 - 01.02.2023
OFFICIAL Southampton confirm deadline day signing of Paul Onuachu
Nigerian striker Paul Onuachu will now fulfil his dream of playing in the Premier League after signing with Southampton
17:40 - 31.01.2023
TRANSFERS Paul Onuachu set to complete €18 million move to Southampton
Southampton have reportedly completed the signing of Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)