Crystal Palace and Fulham maintain interest in Nigerian defender Chibuike Nwaiwu

Crystal Palace and Fulham remain interested in signing Nigerian defender Chibuike Nwaiwu, but the Trabzonspor centre-back could stay in Turkey until the end of the season following the failure of a summer transfer.

The two Premier League clubs have continued monitoring the 23-year-old after being unable to complete a deal during the previous transfer window. According to exclusive information, their interest has not diminished, with both sides still considering a possible move when the winter transfer window opens.

Nwaiwu has attracted attention through his performances since joining Trabzonspor in January from Austrian club Wolfsberger AC.

His displays in the Turkish league have strengthened his reputation and placed him on the radar of clubs looking to reinforce their defensive options.

However, despite the continued interest from England, his immediate future remains uncertain, with a departure during the January transfer window not guaranteed.

Crystal Palace and Fulham continue tracking Nwaiwu

Crystal Palace and Fulham were both interested in securing the Nigerian defender’s services during the summer, but neither club managed to reach an agreement to bring him to England.

Their pursuit has nevertheless continued, with the London-based sides keeping a close watch on his development at Trabzonspor.

The defender’s performances since arriving in Turkey have made him an attractive option for the two Premier League teams, who have maintained their interest despite the unsuccessful negotiations.

According to a source close to the situation contacted by Africafoot, the English clubs have never abandoned their attempts to sign the player.

The source explained the circumstances surrounding the failed summer move, saying:

“Interest has always been there. The agreement could not be finalized this summer due to issues with finding a replacement and transferring the player.”

The explanation suggests that the difficulties surrounding a potential transfer were not necessarily connected to a lack of interest from the English clubs.

Instead, the inability to arrange a suitable replacement and complete the necessary transfer arrangements prevented the move from progressing.

Trabzonspor could retain Nigerian defender until summer

With the summer negotiations failing to produce an agreement, Nwaiwu’s situation at Trabzonspor remains an important factor in determining his next move.

The Turkish club signed him from Wolfsberger AC in January, and his performances have since attracted attention from outside the country.

Although Crystal Palace and Fulham continue to follow his progress, the possibility of remaining at Trabzonspor until the conclusion of the current season remains open.

A January transfer would provide the Premier League clubs with another opportunity to pursue the Nigerian, but the circumstances that affected the previous negotiations could remain significant.

For Nwaiwu, the continued attention from England represents an indication of the interest generated by his performances in Turkey.

At 23, the defender remains a player attracting attention from clubs beyond the Turkish league, with Crystal Palace and Fulham yet to abandon their pursuit.

For now, his future remains unresolved, with the coming transfer window likely to provide further clarity on whether either English club can finally secure his signature or whether he will continue his development at Trabzonspor until the end of the season.