AFCON 2025
Turkish giants Trabzonspor have turned down a second offer from Fulham for Nigerian defender Chibuike Nwaiwu, maintaining their firm stance on the player’s valuation ahead of the summer transfer window.
Fulham have identified the 22-year-old as a priority defensive target as they seek to reinforce their backline for the new Premier League season. The London club have been impressed by Nwaiwu’s rapid rise since joining Trabzonspor during the January transfer window.
After arriving midway through last season, the Super Eagles defender quickly established himself as a regular in the starting lineup, playing a key role as Trabzonspor secured a third-place finish in the Turkish Super Lig to qualify for next season’s UEFA Europa League. He also helped the club lift the Turkish Cup.
Nwaiwu’s impressive performances have attracted widespread interest across Europe, with West Ham United, Napoli, Bayer Leverkusen and Leeds United all monitoring his situation.
Fulham’s initial €20 million bid was rejected before the club returned with an improved offer reportedly worth €28 million, including €25 million guaranteed and €3 million in performance-related add-ons.
However, Trabzonspor have also rejected the revised proposal and are only willing to consider offers in the region of €30 million to €35 million for the Nigerian centre-back.
A transfer within that range would make Nwaiwu the most expensive sale in Turkish Super Lig history, surpassing the €30 million transfer of Ferdi Kadıoğlu from Fenerbahçe to Brighton & Hove Albion in 2024. It would also rank the Super Eagles defender among the most expensive Nigerian footballers ever.
Trabzonspor are under no immediate pressure to sell, with Nwaiwu tied to a long-term contract. The defender is also understood to be content with continuing his development in Turkey after spending only a few months at the club.
Despite seeing two bids rejected, Fulham are expected to return with another offer as they continue their pursuit of one of their top defensive targets before the transfer window closes. For now, Nwaiwu is expected to remain with Trabzonspor for pre-season preparations while speculation over his future continues.
