Soccer
Chibuike Nwaiwu. Copyright: Imagoxpictures/xMatthiasxTrinkl
Turkish Cup winners Trabzonspor have made a major decision on the future of Super Eagles defender Chibuike Nwaiwu amid growing transfer interest this summer, Soccernet.ng reports.
Nwaiwu has become one of the hottest defensive prospects on the market, attracting interest from Fulham, as well as several other Premier League clubs, and Napoli.
The Nigerian centre-back has enjoyed a remarkable rise over the past year. He only joined the Turkish club during the winter transfer window from Austrian side Wolfsberger AC after helping the club make history by winning their first-ever domestic cup title last season.
Since arriving at the Black Sea Storm, Nwaiwu has settled in seamlessly. He immediately established himself as a regular starter and was a key figure at the heart of Trabzonspor’s defence.
He finished the campaign with 21 appearances in all competitions and played the full 90 minutes as they defeated Konyaspor 2-1 in the Turkish Cup final in May to lift the trophy.
His impressive club form also earned him a maiden Super Eagles call-up from head coach Eric Chelle in March. The 22-year-old then went on to play an important role as Nigeria lifted a record fourth Unity Cup title in May 2026.
Soccer Trabzonspor set Nwaiwu price tag as transfer race heats up
According to Buchi Laba on X, Trabzonspor are prepared to sell Nwaiwu this summer, but only if they receive an offer in the region of €30 million to €35 million.
The 22-year-old has become one of the most sought-after Nigerian defenders in the transfer market following his outstanding performances in Turkey.
Fulham are among his strongest admirers and have already seen an offer worth around €20 million rejected as they look to strengthen their defence ahead of next season.
However, the Cottagers face stiff competition from several Premier League rivals, while a Serie A club is also monitoring the Nigerian international’s situation closely.
Trabzonspor’s valuation would represent a club-record sale and would also make Nwaiwu the most expensive player ever sold by a Turkish club if the asking price is met.
That would be a remarkable achievement for a player who only arrived in Turkey during the January transfer window but has quickly established himself as one of the league’s standout defenders.
For now, Nwaiwu is expected to remain at Trabzonspor. However, with interest continuing to grow, it appears increasingly likely that he will become the club’s next major sale if their valuation is met.
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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