Premier League club Fulham are still deep in negotiations with Trabzonspor for Super Eagles defender Chibuike Nwaiwu, Soccernet.ng reports.
However, the Londoners would have been disappointed by one moment from the Nigerian center-back during Trabzonspor's 3-0 pre-season defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt in Salzburg, Austria.
Nwaiwu, who is close to completing a record-breaking move to Craven Cottage, endured an afternoon to forget after scoring an own goal in the second half of the friendly.
Eintracht Frankfurt made a fast start and needed only nine minutes to take the lead. Japanese international Ritsu Doan slipped a well-weighted pass into Hugo Larsson, who calmly finished to put the Bundesliga side ahead.
Frankfurt doubled their advantage before halftime after Jonathan Burkardt converted a penalty in the 38th minute, leaving Trabzonspor chasing the game.
The final blow came in the 57th minute. As Frankfurt pushed forward once again, Nwaiwu attempted to clear the danger inside his own penalty area but instead turned the ball past his goalkeeper from around eight meters, giving the German side a comfortable 3-0 lead.
Although it was an unfortunate mistake, the own goal overshadowed what had been another opportunity for the 22-year-old to impress while scouts and club officials continue to monitor his performances ahead of a major transfer.
Nwaiwu: Fulham still pushing to complete historic transfer
Despite the disappointing moment in Austria, Fulham remain confident of completing a deal that could make Nwaiwu the most expensive Nigerian defender in football history.
The West London club have reportedly submitted a formal offer worth €27 million, with another €3 million in performance-related bonuses. The package would meet Trabzonspor's €30 million valuation, while the Turkish club are also expected to receive a 15 percent sell-on clause if the defender is transferred again in the future.
Personal terms have already been agreed. Nwaiwu is expected to sign a four-year contract until June 2030, with Fulham holding the option to extend the deal by another season. Reports also suggest the defender will earn about €2.5 million per year, roughly ₦4 billion.
Fulham accelerated negotiations after allowing Issa Diop to join newly promoted Ipswich Town, leaving manager Arbeloa eager to strengthen his defence before the Premier League season begins. If the transfer is completed, Nwaiwu will join fellow Nigerians Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey at Craven Cottage.
Crystal Palace also showed interest in signing the Super Eagles defender as a possible replacement for Maxence Lacroix, but Fulham have moved ahead in the race. Medical tests and the final paperwork are expected to take place in London early next week, with both clubs now working to complete one of the biggest transfers involving a Nigerian defender.
