Tottenham Hotspur, Crystal Palace and Fulham have all failed in their attempts to sign Chibuike Nwaiwu after Trabzonspor refused to lower their asking price for the Super Eagles defender, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 23-year-old centre-back has been at the centre of attention of several Premier League clubs following an impressive first six months in Turkey. Despite interest from clubs in England and Italy, Trabzonspor remain determined to keep him unless their valuation is met.
Fulham have gone the furthest in the race after agreeing personal terms with Nwaiwu on a four-year contract. However, negotiations between the two clubs have reached a standstill because of a major difference in valuation.
The London club made the Nigerian defender one of its top transfer targets after the departure of Issa Diop. Fulham first submitted an offer which Trabzonspor rejected immediately. They then returned with an improved package including performance-related bonuses, but that bid was also turned down.
With Fulham unable to reach an agreement, Crystal Palace, Tottenham Hotspur and Italian side Napoli have continued to be linked, hoping they could still enter the race if circumstances change.
Nwaiwu: Fulham fail as Trabzonspor stand firm
Trabzonspor have made it clear that they will not sell Nwaiwu unless a club is willing to pay between €30 million and €35 million. The Nigerian joined the Turkish club from Austrian side Wolfsberger AC in January 2026 for around €5.5 million. Since then, his value has risen sharply after an outstanding second half of the season.
Nwaiwu quickly became a regular starter and helped Trabzonspor win the Turkish Cup. He featured in 21 competitive matches, scoring three goals and providing one assist. His ability to play both as a central defender and as a defensive midfielder has increased his appeal.
Despite reports that Nwaiwu would welcome a move to the Premier League to strengthen his place in Nigeria's national team ahead of future international competitions, Trabzonspor president Ertuğrul Doğan insists the club has no intention of accepting below-market offers.
“The offers we received for Chibuike Nwaiwu were far below our expectations. Under these circumstances, we are absolutely not considering selling him,” Doğan said as per Gundem Artvin.
He also stressed that Trabzonspor have not received an offer close to their valuation for the Nigerian defender.
“The offers were insufficient, the player is staying with the team.”
Trabzonspor remain in complete control of the situation. Unless one of Fulham, Tottenham, Crystal Palace or Napoli meets the Turkish club's €30-35 million asking price, Nwaiwu looks set to continue his rise in the Turkish Super Lig while remaining a key player for both Trabzonspor and the Super Eagles.
