Super Eagles transfers: Trabzonspor reject ₦47bn offer for Nwaiwu

Turkish Cup winners Trabzonspor have once again shown their determination to keep Super Eagles defender Chibuike Nwaiwu amid growing interest in his services, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Black Sea Storm have remained firm on their valuation of €30-35 million for the Nigerian defender, who only joined the club earlier this year but has already attracted interest from several clubs following his impressive performances.

Nwaiwu enjoyed an impressive half-season with Trabzonspor after joining from Wolfsberger in January. The Super Eagles defender quickly established himself as a mainstay in the heart of the club’s defence and played an important role in their successful campaign.

The 23-year-old also ended the season with a trophy after Trabzonspor defeated Konyaspor 2-1 in the Turkish Cup final to lift the competition.

His performances placed him on the radar of several clubs, with Fulham emerging as one of the strongest contenders to land his signature. The Premier League club have already had multiple offers rejected by Trabzonspor as they continue to push for his signature.

There has also been interest from the Italian Serie A, while UEFA Conference League winners Crystal Palace have also entered the race as well.

Nwaiwu: Trabzonspor reaffirm stance on Super Eagles defender valuation with new decision

According to reports from Turkey, Trabzonspor have now rejected a Crystal Palace offer worth up to €30 million, approximately ₦47 billion, for Nwaiwu.

Crystal Palace's need for defensive reinforcements became more urgent after they lost French defender Maxence Lacroix to fellow Premier League side Chelsea this summer.

The Eagles also lost Marc Guehi to Manchester City earlier in the year, marking two of their most trusted centre-back options to have left the club in a relatively short period.

The London club are therefore going through a major rebuild ahead of the new Premier League season. Their situation has also been affected by the departure of head coach Oliver Glasner, who left the club when his contract expired before taking over at Nottingham Forest.

With the urgent need to strengthen their defence, Nwaiwu has emerged as an attractive option and at 23, he can serve as a long-term solution at the back.

Trabzonspor's latest decision is therefore a major blow to Palace's pursuit of the Nigerian defender, although it remains unclear whether they will return with an improved offer.

Meanwhile, Fulham remain in the picture for Nwaiwu. The Cottagers have already agreed personal terms with the Super Eagles defender and are also working towards reaching an agreement with Trabzonspor over his transfer.

With both Premier League clubs pushing for his signature, it could be an interesting few weeks for Nwaiwu as the summer transfer window enters its last month.

However, if neither Fulham nor Palace can meet Trabzonspor's demands, Nwaiwu is expected to remain at the Turkish club for at least another season.

If he stays, the Super Eagles defender will be expected to play another starring role for Trabzonspor as they look to challenge Galatasaray's dominance and compete for the Turkish Super Lig title next season.