Fulham’s move for Trabzonspor defender Chibuike Nwaiwu stalls over €12m valuation gap

Fulham’s attempts to sign Trabzonspor centre-back Chibuike Nwaiwu have been held up by a major difference in valuation between the two clubs, despite the player having already agreed personal terms.

The Premier League side are understood to have reached an agreement in principle with the 23-year-old Nigeria defender on a long-term contract, with Nwaiwu keen on a move to Craven Cottage this summer after being convinced by Fulham’s sporting project.

However, negotiations with Trabzonspor remain at an impasse, with the clubs still far apart on the fee. Fulham value the deal at around €18m and believe that figure reflects the player’s worth, while the Turkish club are insisting on at least €30m.

That €12m gap has become the main obstacle to a transfer being completed, according to Footy-Africa, even though discussions between all parties are described as advanced.

Clubs apart on fee

Nwaiwu is under contract with Trabzonspor until 30 June 2030, a long-term agreement which strengthens the Super Lig club’s bargaining position as they hold out for their asking price.

Fulham, for their part, consider their current proposal reasonable in the context of the market and in relation to the defender’s estimated value. On Transfermarkt, Nwaiwu’s market valuation is listed at €10m, considerably lower than Trabzonspor’s demand and also below Fulham’s bid.

Trabzonspor’s stance reflects Nwaiwu’s swift rise since his arrival in Turkey only a few months ago. The centre-back has quickly established himself as a regular starter and a key figure in their defence, helping the club to secure the Turkish Cup during his short time there.

Those performances have significantly raised his profile and prompted Fulham’s interest, as well as contributing to the Turkish side’s belief that he should command a premium fee.

Fulham weighing next step

Despite the deadlock, Fulham have not walked away from the deal and are expected to consider returning with an improved offer in an effort to persuade Trabzonspor to sell.

Any fresh bid would be aimed at narrowing the valuation gap sufficiently to unlock an agreement before the end of the summer transfer window, though there is no indication yet that Trabzonspor are ready to soften their position.

Nwaiwu’s preference for a move to the Premier League is seen as a positive factor for Fulham, but with his long contract in Trabzon and the Turkish club under no immediate pressure to sell, the London side may need to move closer to the €30m figure if the transfer is to progress.

For now, the defender remains a Trabzonspor player, and the outcome of the talks will depend on whether the two clubs can bridge the financial divide in the remaining weeks of the window.