Fulham step up bid for Trabzonspor’s Chibuike Nwaiwu as fee talks progress

Fulham have moved into advanced negotiations with Trabzonspor over the signing of Nigerian centre-back Chibuike Nwaiwu, with the Premier League club now seen as frontrunners despite rival interest from Crystal Palace.

Journalist Ekrem Konur reports that Fulham are in the final phase of discussions with the Turkish side for the 23-year-old, whose current contract with Trabzonspor runs until 30 June 2030. The talks now centre on a transfer fee in the region of €25m.

Trabzonspor are understood to be holding out for closer to €30m, including potential bonuses, but the gap between the two clubs’ valuations has narrowed significantly in recent days, according to the same source.

Fulham, who have been pushing to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season, have tabled a contract offer worth €2.5m per year to the defender. Nwaiwu is continuing his pre-season preparations with Trabzonspor in Austria while negotiations continue between the two clubs.

Fulham target key reinforcement

Although Nwaiwu is a centre-back, the deal is viewed within Fulham as a major boost to their midfield options, underlining the club’s belief that he can contribute to their structure beyond a traditional defensive role.

Crystal Palace’s interest has added competitive pressure to the pursuit, but Fulham’s progress in talks with Trabzonspor has put them in a strong position to complete the transfer if a final agreement on the fee can be reached.

Nwaiwu is valued at €10m by Transfermarkt, meaning a deal at the figures currently being discussed would represent a significant premium on that estimate. Trabzonspor see the potential sale as a key opportunity to raise substantial funds.

Trabzonspor eye reinvestment

For Trabzonspor, the prospective transfer would provide important income to support their own recruitment plans. The Turkish club intend to use the money generated by Nwaiwu’s departure to bring in new signings and refresh their squad.

The 23-year-old’s long-term contract in Trabzon underscores the scale of the decision facing the club, but the size of the potential fee is viewed as a strong incentive to sell while his market value is high.

Nwaiwu’s situation in Austria, where he remains focused on pre-season training, has not changed publicly, with no official announcement yet from either club. However, with negotiations now at an advanced stage and the financial differences reduced, Fulham’s push to secure the Nigerian defender is entering a decisive period.