Turkish giants Trabzonspor have rejected a second bid from Fulham for Super Eagles defender Chibuike Nwaiwu as they refuse to budge on their valuation, Soccernet.ng reports.
Nwaiwu has emerged as Fulham's leading defensive target as they look to strengthen their backline ahead of the new season. The Premier League club have been impressed by the Nigerian's rapid development since his arrival in Turkey and view him as an ideal addition to their defence.
The 22-year-old became an integral part of Trabzonspor's squad shortly after joining the club during the January transfer window. Despite arriving midway through the campaign, he quickly established himself as one of the first names on the teamsheet and played a crucial role in the club's impressive finish.
His commanding performances at the heart of the defence helped Trabzonspor secure a third-place finish in the Turkish Super Lig, qualifying them for next season's UEFA Europa League, while they also lifted the Turkish Cup.
Those displays have not gone unnoticed across Europe, with several clubs monitoring his situation ahead of the summer transfer window. Fulham face competition from multiple clubs including West Ham United, Napoli, Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen as well as Leeds United, all of whom have shown interest in the Nigerian defender.
Fulham had previously seen an opening bid worth €20 million turned down by Trabzonspor before returning with an improved proposal in an attempt to test the Turkish club's resolve.
Trabzonspor’s stance on Nwaiwu amid Fulham interest
Soccernet.ng previously reported that Fulham submitted an improved package of around €28 million, which is made up of a guaranteed €25 million plus a further €3 million in performance-related add-ons.
According to Turkish outlet Fanatik, Trabzonspor have now rejected that second offer and remain firm in their valuation of the defender.
The Black Sea Storm are only prepared to consider selling Nwaiwu if an offer in the region of €30 million to €35 million arrives before the close of the transfer window.
Should such a deal materialize, it would make Nwaiwu the most expensive sale in Turkish Super Lig history, surpassing the €30 million Brighton paid Fenerbahce for Turkish international Ferdi Kadioglu in 2024.
The transfer would also see the Nigerian become the fourth most expensive Super Eagles player of all time.
Trabzonspor are under no pressure to sell. Nwaiwu remains tied to a long-term contract, giving the club a strong negotiating position, while the player himself has not pushed for a transfer and is understood to be happy to continue his development in Turkey after spending only a few months at the club.
Despite having two bids rejected, Fulham are expected to return with another offer. The West London club remain keen on signing the centre-back, having identified him as one of their priority defensive targets ahead of next season.
Nwaiwu is expected to continue pre-season preparations with Trabzonspor for now as they gear up for the new campaign. However, with interest from several European clubs continuing to grow, his future is likely to remain one of the biggest transfer stories to watch in the coming weeks.
