Trabzonspor reject Fulham’s new Nwaiwu bid

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Turkish Super Lig side, Trabzonspor, have rejected a second bid from Premier League club, Fulham, for Super Eagles defender, Chibuike Nwaiwu, insisting they will not sanction a sale below their valuation of the player, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

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According to Turkish outlet, Fanatik, Fulham’s improved offer of around €28m, comprising a guaranteed €25m and a further €3m in performance-related add-ons, has been turned down, with the Black Sea Storm holding out for a fee between €30m and €35m. Fulham had previously seen an opening €20m bid rejected by the Turkish club last month.

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Nwaiwu joined Trabzonspor from Austrian side, Wolfsberger AC, in January and quickly established himself as a first-team regular, playing a key role as the club secured a third-place finish in the Super Lig, qualification for next season’s UEFA Europa League and Turkish Cup glory.

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The 22-year-old’s performances have attracted interest from several other European clubs, including West Ham United, Napoli, Bayer Leverkusen and Leeds United, though Fulham are understood to have identified him as their leading defensive target ahead of the new season.

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Should Trabzonspor’s valuation eventually be met, the transfer would become the most expensive sale in Turkish Super Lig history, surpassing the €30m Brighton paid Fenerbahce for Ferdi Kadioglu in 2024, while also making Nwaiwu the fourth most expensive Nigerian player of all time.

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Trabzonspor are under no pressure to sell, with the defender tied to a long-term contract and yet to push for a move, but Fulham are expected to return with a further offer as they continue their pursuit of the centre-back ahead of the new Premier League season.

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