Soccer
Paul Onuachu, Anthony Nwakaeme and Chibuike Nwaiwu at Trabzonspor. Photo Credit: IMAGO
Turkish giants Trabzonspor have reportedly received an improved offer worth around N44 billion (€28 million) from Premier League side Fulham for Super Eagles defender Chibuike Nwaiwu, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 22-year-old enjoyed an outstanding second half in the 2025-26 season after joining the Black Sea Storm in January, quickly establishing himself as one of the team’s most important players.
He was also very impressive as Trabzonspor recorded a 2-1 win over Konyaspor in the Turkish Cup final in May and his rapid rise has attracted interest from several clubs across Europe, including teams in the Premier League and Serie A, making a summer transfer increasingly likely.
According to Turkish outlet Fotomaç, Fulham have now returned with an improved offer worth a total of €28 million for the Nwaiwu. The deal is made up of a €25 million fixed fee and an additional €3 million in performance-related add-ons, in an attempt to persuade Trabzonspor to sell the Nigerian defender.
The Premier League club had previously seen a €20 million bid rejected, with Trabzonspor remaining firm that they will not consider selling Nwaiwu for less than €30-35 million. The Turkish side are under no financial pressure to sell and are comfortable keeping the defender, who remains under a long-term contract.
Soccer Why Fulham want summer move for Chibuike Nwaiwu
The Super Eagles defender’s performances since arriving in Turkey have been more than enough to justify Fulham’s interest. Despite moving from the Austrian Bundesliga midway through the season, he adapted immediately to Turkish football and became one of Trabzonspor’s standout defenders.
Fulham, meanwhile, are looking to strengthen their defence with a long-term solution amid uncertainty surrounding several of their current centre-back options.
Moroccan defender Issa Diop, who was an important member of the squad under former manager Marco Silva, entered the final month of his contract on July 1. With contract extension talks yet to progress, his future at Craven Cottage remains uncertain and he could even end up leaving the club this summer.
There are also doubts over the future of fellow Nigerian defender Calvin Bassey, who has yet to agree a new contract and has been linked with a potential move to Inter Milan this summer.
Those uncertainties have convinced Fulham to move quickly for Nwaiwu, whom they view as a long-term investment capable of strengthening their defence for years to come. The Cottagers are keen to complete a deal early in the transfer window rather than risk scrambling for replacements later if they eventually lose one or more of their current centre-backs options.
However, Fulham’s latest €28 million proposal still falls short of Trabzonspor’s valuation. While the bid could test the Turkish club’s resolve, it remains to be seen whether they will lower their asking price or continue to stand firm on their valuation.
If an agreement is eventually reached, Nwaiwu would become the latest Nigerian player to make the move to the Premier League.
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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