Fulham step up chase for Nigeria star Chibuike Nwaiwu with improved €25m bid

Fulham F.C. have intensified their pursuit of Nigeria international Chibuike Nwaiwu by submitting an improved €25 million bid for the highly rated defender after seeing an earlier proposal turned down.

According to Turkish outlet Taka61, the Premier League side have increased their offer by €5 million following the rejection of their initial €20 million bid, underlining their determination to bring the 22-year-old centre-back to Craven Cottage before the new season.

Fulham are keen to reinforce their defensive options and view Nwaiwu as one of their priority targets after his rapid rise in Turkish football.

Trabzonspor stand firm on valuation

Despite Fulham’s improved proposal, Trabzonspor are reportedly unwilling to sanction a sale unless their valuation of around €30 million is met.

The Turkish Cup winners are in a strong negotiating position, having only signed the Nigerian defender during the January transfer window. His immediate impact has significantly increased both his reputation and market value, leaving the club reluctant to part with one of their standout performers unless they receive what they consider an appropriate fee.

With a €5 million gap still separating the two clubs, negotiations are expected to continue as Fulham weigh up whether to return with a third offer.

Rapid rise boosts transfer value

Nwaiwu’s emergence has been one of the success stories of the past year. Before moving to Trabzonspor, he featured for Austrian side Wolfsberger AC after beginning his professional career with Nigerian giants Enyimba F.C..

Although he has spent only a few months in Turkey, the defender wasted little time adapting to his new surroundings.

He made 16 league appearances after his January arrival, contributing three goals and one assist while helping Trabzonspor lift the Turkish Cup. His commanding displays at the heart of defence, coupled with his threat from set pieces, quickly established him as one of the club’s key players.

Those performances have not only strengthened Trabzonspor’s resolve to keep him but have also attracted growing interest from clubs across Europe.

Premier League interest intensifies

Fulham are not alone in monitoring the Nigerian international.

Fellow Premier League side West Ham United F.C. have also been credited with an interest, raising the prospect of a transfer battle if Trabzonspor decide to entertain offers later in the window.

The increased competition could further drive up Nwaiwu’s valuation, particularly given his age, physical profile and room for development.

For Fulham, securing the defender would represent another statement of intent as the club looks to strengthen its squad ahead of the new campaign.

However, with Trabzonspor standing firm on their asking price, the London club may have to decide whether to meet the Turkish side’s €30 million demand or risk losing one of their primary defensive targets to a rival.