Turkish side Trabzonspor have rejected an opening €20m offer from Premier League club Fulham for Nigerian central defender Chibuike Nwaiwu.
Nwaiwu joined Trabzonspor in January from Austrian club Wolfsberger AC, and the former Enyimba player has quickly become one of the most sought-after young defenders following a series of commanding performances in the Turkish Super Lig, with clubs in Germany and France also monitoring his progress closely.
Fulham are said to be the most advanced suitors, and the Premier League side recently submitted an opening bid of €20m for the player, which was immediately rejected.
Trabzonspor have placed a €40m valuation on the 22-year-old, meaning Fulham would likely have to double their offer before the Turkish side consider a sale. According to Turkish outlet FotoMac, the club are also reluctant to disrupt the core of their squad.
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“Trabzonspor, which was in the championship race until the final weeks of the 2025/26 season, are preparing to build a strong squad to achieve success in the new campaign. The burgundy-blue team, which is planning for the title, remains determined to retain its key players,” FotoMac reported. The report added that Fulham remain keen on signing the defender.
“Fulham, who are preparing to offer more than €20m for the 22-year-old footballer, who earned widespread admiration for his performances last season, will approach the club again in the coming days.
“The English press has also given extensive coverage to Fulham’s pursuit of Chibuike, while the value of the new offer remains unclear.”
After joining Trabzonspor for €5.5m in January, Nwaiwu made a strong start to life in Turkey, contributing significantly at both ends of the pitch. Despite being a central defender, he scored three goals and provided one assist in just half a season.
At Trabzonspor, he currently plays alongside fellow Nigerian Paul Onuachu. A move to Fulham could also see him link up with compatriots Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey, potentially forming an all-Nigerian central defensive partnership with Bassey.
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