Trabzonspor Reject Fulham’s €20 Million Bid for Nigeria Defender Chibuike Nwaiwu

Trabzonspor have rejected a €20 million offer from Premier League club Fulham for Nigerian international defender Chibuike Nwaiwu, according to Turkish publication Fotomac as cited by Pulse Sports. The bid, worth approximately N31 billion, has been firmly turned down as the Black Sea Storm signal they are under no pressure to offload one of their standout performers.

Nwaiwu, 22, only arrived at Trabzonspor during the January transfer window, joining from Austrian side Wolfsberger in a deal worth €5.5 million. Despite having been at the club for just months, his performances have attracted considerable interest from across Europe, with Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen and Serie A outfit Lazio also reported to have been monitoring the centre-back before Fulham moved to the front of the queue.

The young defender made 21 appearances across all competitions for Trabzonspor following his arrival, missing only two matches after his debut. That level of consistency quickly established him as a central figure in the club’s defensive setup and provided the platform for his rise to international recognition.

Nwaiwu made his Super Eagles debut in Nigeria’s 2-1 victory over Iran in March and subsequently featured as a key defensive partner alongside Igor Ogbu during Nigeria’s successful Unity Cup campaign last month. His swift integration at both club and international level has reinforced his standing as one of the more promising young defenders to emerge from the African continent in recent seasons.

Fulham’s pursuit of Nwaiwu is understood to be driven by pressing defensive concerns. Issa Diop’s contract is set to expire next season, while Calvin Bassey’s deal is also approaching its end — though the club holds an extension option for the Sierra Leone international. Manager Alvaro Arbeloa is reportedly keen to secure Nwaiwu as a long-term defensive solution should either player ultimately depart Craven Cottage. If a transfer were to be completed, Nwaiwu would join fellow Nigerian internationals Alex Iwobi and Bassey at the west London club.

However, Trabzonspor’s position appears resolute. Reports indicate the club would only consider selling if an offer surpasses the current Turkish league transfer record — the €30 million Brighton paid Fenerbahce for Ferdi Kadioglu in 2024. At that benchmark, Fulham’s initial €20 million bid falls well short of what would be required. The Cottagers are reportedly expected to return with a revised and higher offer in the coming weeks.

The situation places Fulham in a familiar position faced by clubs pursuing players from leagues where the selling club holds significant leverage. Whether the Premier League side are willing to meet or exceed the €30 million threshold to secure a defender who has been at Trabzonspor for less than a full season remains to be seen. For now, Nwaiwu remains in Turkey, and Trabzonspor appear in no hurry to change that.