Soccer
Paul Onuachu, Anthony Nwakaeme and Chibuike Nwaiwu at Trabzonspor. Photo Credit: IMAGO
Trabzonspor have made a firm decision over the future of Super Eagles defender Chibuike Nwaiwu amid growing interest ahead of the summer transfer window, Soccernet.ng reports.
Nwaiwu only joined the Black Sea Storm in a €5.5 million move from Austrian side Wolfsberger during the winter transfer window, but he has already attracted attention from Premier League club Fulham, Bundesliga giants Bayer Leverkusen and Italian side Lazio.
The 22-year-old centre-back quickly established himself as a key figure in Trabzonspor’s defence and went on to make 21 appearances in all competitions, missing only two matches from his debut until the end of the season.
He played the full 90 minutes as Trabzonspor defeated Konyaspor 2-1, with fellow Nigerian Paul Onuachu scoring both goals to secure the Turkish Cup title last month, marking their first trophy since lifting the Turkish Super Cup in 2022.
Nwaiwu’s impressive form also earned him a call-up to the Super Eagles under head coach Eric Chelle and he came on for his debut in Nigeria’s 2-1 win over Iran in March. The young defender also featured in both matches of the Unity Cup triumph last month, where he formed an important defensive partnership with Igor Ogbu.
Despite arriving only midway through the season, Nwaiwu’s performances have caught the attention of top clubs, raising the possibility of another move just months after his arrival in Turkey.
Soccer Trabzonspor reject Fulham’s bid for Nwaiwu
According to Fotomac, Trabzonspor have reportedly rejected a Fulham offer worth up to €20 million, approximately N31 billion, for Nwaiwu.
Fulham are already planning for the future, with Morocco international Issa Diop’s contract set to expire at the end of next season. Calvin Bassey’s deal also runs out at the same time, although the club have an option to extend his contract by a further year.
The Cottagers want Nwaiwu to be integrated into the squad early, especially if either Diop or Bassey fails to agree a new contract and leaves next summer.
The Premier League club are understood to have stepped up their pursuit of the Nigerian defender, moving ahead of Bayer Leverkusen and Lazio, as they look to strengthen their defensive options ahead of next season under new head coach Alvaro Arbeloa.
However, Trabzonspor’s rejection shows they are under no pressure to sell. The Black Sea Storm will only consider letting Nwaiwu leave if they receive a record-breaking offer that surpasses the €30 million Brighton paid Fenerbahce for Ferdi Kadioglu in 2024, making the Super Eagles defender the most expensive sale in Turkish football history.
Fulham are expected to return with an improved offer in the coming weeks and if a deal is agreed between both clubs, it would see Nwaiwu link up with his countrymen, Bassey and Alex Iwobi at Craven Cottage.
Ayomide Oguntimehin
Ayomide Oguntimehin is a CAF-accredited sports journalist and Chief Editor at Soccernet.ng. He has interviewed Super Eagles stars like William Troost-Ekong, Taiwo Awoniyi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and Ademola Lookman, and is known for breaking major transfer stories.
Ayomide has worked with Sports Brief, Naija News and served as Social Lead Editor at Legit.ng. He has also featured on Goal, TVC News, Sports Mole, and Milan News24. He holds a Master’s degree and is currently pursuing a PhD. Follow Ayomide on X (formerly Twitter): @ayo_oguntimehin
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