Turkish Süper Lig club Trabzonspor are looking to make Super Eagles defender Chibuike Nwaiwu the most expensive sale in Turkish football history, Soccernet.ng reports.
Nwaiwu has enjoyed a meteoric rise over the last two years, transitioning from playing for Nigerian giants Enyimba in 2024 to joining Trabzonspor in January for a fee of €5.5 million.
Since arriving at the Black Sea Storm, he has become a mainstay in the starting lineup and played a pivotal role in the club's Süper Lig title push during the second half of the season.
The 22-year-old is an astute defender who possesses a fine balance of physical power and technical skill. Highly versatile, Nwaiwu can comfortably operate on both the left and right sides of central defense, as well as in defensive midfield.
In addition to his defensive prowess, he has a knack for chipping in with occasional goals. Given his age, he is viewed as a high-potential asset with immense room for growth.
His standout performances have already attracted attention from Europe's top five leagues, with Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen and Premier League side Fulham reportedly in the mix to swoop in for his signature this summer.
Trabzonspor Holding Out for Record Fee for Chibuike Nwaiwu
According to Dik Futbol, Trabzonspor have already received offers in the region of €20 million for the Nigerian international. However, the former Turkish champions are unwilling to do business at that valuation.
Instead, the club has reportedly set their asking price at €40 million.
If met, this fee would shatter Trabzonspor's transfer records. Their current record departure occurred last season when they sold goalkeeper Uğurcan Çakır to rivals Galatasaray for €27.5 million.
Selling Nwaiwu for €40 million would not only make him Trabzonspor's biggest export, but it would also stand as the most expensive sale in Süper Lig history.
Nonetheless, the Super Eagles star still has four years remaining on his contract, so Trabzonspor hold the upper hand in negotiations.
Also, Nwaiwu has not expressed any immediate desire to leave the club. Consequently, unless a suitor matches their steep asking price, a transfer appears unlikely this summer.
