Soccer
Paul Onuachu, Anthony Nwakaeme and Chibuike Nwaiwu at Trabzonspor. Photo Credit: IMAGO
West Ham United have become the latest club to express their interest in Super Eagles defender Chibuike Nwaiwu ahead of the summer transfer window, Soccernet.ng reports.
Nwaiwu’s long-term future in Turkey remains uncertain despite only joining Trabzonspor a few months ago and the 22-year-old could leave the club in the coming weeks if an offer that meets their valuation arrives.
The Nigerian defender joined the Black Sea Storm from Austrian side Wolfsberger in January, where he played a key role in their historic Austrian Cup triumph during the 2024-25 season, marking the first major domestic title in the club’s history.
He made an immediate impact after arriving in Turkey, becoming an important figure in the Trabzonspor squad. Nwaiwu featured 21 times in all competitions and played a major role as the club went on to win the Turkish Cup.
Fulham and Bayer Leverkusen have been among the clubs showing the strongest interest in the defender. The Cottagers are have already had a €20 million offer rejected by Trabzonspor, although that has not stopped further interest in the Super Eagles centre-back.
Soccer West Ham United enter race for Chibuike Nwaiwu
According to reports in Turkey, West Ham United have now emerged as the latest club interested in signing Nwaiwu this summer and are ready to rival Fulham and Leverkusen for his signature.
The Hammers are preparing for a major rebuild following their relegation from the Premier League last season. With the club set to compete in the EFL Championship next term, they are looking to strengthen their squad as they target an immediate return to the top flight.
Their need for defensive reinforcements has increased following the departure of French defender Axel Disasi, who returned to parent club Chelsea after his loan spell at the London Stadium came to an end.
West Ham are therefore short of options at centre-back and have identified Nwaiwu as a strong reinforcement option. The Nigerian defender is generally seen as one who could help improve a backline that struggled defensively last season and conceded heavily during their relegation campaign.
However, Trabzonspor are expected to demand between €35 million and €40 million for Nwaiwu. A transfer in that region would set a new Turkish transfer record and they have already shown their determination to keep him by rejecting Fulham’s €20 million bid.
Nwaiwu is not pushing to leave Trabzonspor, but the Turkish club could be open to a sale if they receive an offer close to their valuation, paving the way for the Super Eagles defender to move on this summer.
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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