Americans Abroad

Witsel: Gooch Will Stay

Oguchi Onyewu's proposed winter transfer may be delayed by six months, according to his teammate Axel Witsel.

Jan 2, 2009 2:06:38 AM

UEFA CUP: Axel Witsel, Standard Liege v Everton (PA)

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UEFA CUP: Axel Witsel, Standard Liege v Everton (PA)

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Oguchi Onyewu

Standard Liege teammate Axel Witsel claims Oguchi Onyewu will stay in Belgium until June.

The towering 6'4" defender has been attracting attention, particularly from France, as his contract is set to expire in the summer. Many reports have Onyewu leaving last season's Belgian Jupiler League champions in the winter on a cut-price, but his Witsel suggests that the opposite could happen.

"There is much talk of Oguchi Onyewu, but I think he will stay," the exciting winger told Gazette Sports. "He knows he will be free in June and that this is a good advantage."

Players who come on a free transfer can often times command a sizable signing bonus since the club doesn't have to pay the transfer fee.

Witsel may have the inside scoop, but that won't prevent clubs from trying to sign the US international in January. Le 10 Sport claim that Alain Roche, a Paris Saint-Germain scout, attended the UEFA Cup match between Standard and Sampdoria on December 3rd to watch Onyewu.

--Zac Lee Rigg, Goal.com