Fulham are in advanced talks to sign Nigerian centre-back Chibuike Nwaiwu from Trabzonspor, moving ahead of Crystal Palace in the race for the 23-year-old.
The Premier League club are reported to be in the final stages of negotiations with Trabzonspor over a permanent transfer, according to journalist Ekrem Konur. Discussions are now focused on a fee in the region of €25m.
Trabzonspor, whose agreement with the player runs until 30 June 2030, are understood to be holding out for a package closer to €30m including bonuses. However, the gap between the two clubs’ valuations has narrowed significantly in recent days.
Fulham have already put forward personal terms, with Nwaiwu offered an annual salary of €2.5m. The defender is currently with Trabzonspor on their pre-season training camp in Austria while talks continue over his future.
Fulham target key reinforcement
Although Nwaiwu is a central defender, his signing is viewed internally as a major boost to Fulham’s midfield options. The club see his profile and versatility as an important addition to their squad structure ahead of the new season.
Fulham’s progress comes despite competition from Crystal Palace, who have also shown interest in the Nigeria international. The Londoners now appear to be in the strongest position to complete a deal, with only the final details over the transfer fee still to be resolved between the clubs.
Major sale for Trabzonspor
For Trabzonspor, the potential transfer would represent a significant source of income. The Turkish side are looking to use funds generated from Nwaiwu’s sale to support further recruitment and strengthen other areas of their squad.
Nwaiwu is currently valued at €10m by Transfermarkt, meaning a deal at the figures being discussed would bring in well over double that estimated market valuation for Trabzonspor.
The defender’s long-term contract, age and development in Turkey have placed him among the club’s most valuable assets, and his departure would mark one of their more notable outgoing transfers in recent seasons.
No agreement has yet been officially announced, but with negotiations now at an advanced stage and the two sides closer on price, Fulham are moving towards what would be one of their most substantial signings of the summer window.
