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Turkish Super Lig side Trabzonspor have rejected an improved bid from Premier League club Fulham for Nigerian defender Chibuike Nwaiwu, maintaining they will not sell the Super Eagles star below their valuation.
According to Turkish outlet Fanatik, Fulham’s latest offer, worth about €28 million, including a guaranteed €25 million and an additional €3 million in performance-related bonuses, was turned down by the Turkish club. Trabzonspor are reportedly holding out for between €30 million and €35 million before considering a sale.
The London club had earlier seen an opening €20 million bid rejected last month as it stepped up efforts to strengthen its defence ahead of the new Premier League season.
Nwaiwu joined Trabzonspor from Austrian club Wolfsberger AC in January and quickly became one of the team’s standout performers. The 22-year-old helped the Black Sea outfit finish third in the Turkish Super Lig, qualify for next season’s UEFA Europa League and lift the Turkish Cup.
His impressive displays have attracted interest from several European clubs, including West Ham United, Napoli, Bayer Leverkusen and Leeds United. However, Fulham remain the most determined suitor and have identified the Nigerian international as their priority defensive target this summer.
If Trabzonspor eventually secure their asking price, the transfer would become the most expensive outgoing deal in Turkish Super Lig history, surpassing the €30 million Brighton paid Fenerbahce for Ferdi Kadioglu in 2024. It would also rank Nwaiwu among Nigeria’s four most expensive footballers.
Despite growing interest, Trabzonspor are under no immediate pressure to cash in. Nwaiwu remains under a long-term contract and has not publicly indicated any desire to leave the club.
Fulham are nevertheless expected to return with another improved offer as they continue negotiations to land the highly rated centre-back before the close of the summer transfer window.
