Fulham have intensified their efforts to sign Nigerian defender Chibuike Nwaiwu after submitting an improved offer worth up to €28m for the Trabzonspor centre-back.
The Premier League side’s latest proposal consists of a guaranteed payment of €25m, with a further €3m in performance-related bonuses. It follows an earlier bid of €20m that was rejected by the Turkish club.
Trabzonspor are, however, continuing to resist attempts to prise the 22-year-old away and are understood to value the defender at between €30m and €35m. The club are keen to retain one of their standout performers unless their asking price is met.
Fulham’s renewed approach underlines the club’s determination to strengthen their defensive options before the start of the new campaign. Nwaiwu has emerged as a priority target, with the London club viewing him as a long-term addition at the heart of their defence.
The Nigerian has enjoyed a rapid rise since joining Trabzonspor from Austrian side Wolfsberger during the January transfer window in a deal worth €5.5m.
After arriving in Turkey, he quickly established himself as a regular in the first team, becoming an important figure in Trabzonspor’s defence during the second half of the season.
Nwaiwu made 21 appearances in all competitions and also contributed at the other end of the pitch, scoring three goals and providing one assist.
His growing reputation was further enhanced by his contribution to Trabzonspor’s Turkish Cup triumph. The defender played a significant role as his side secured a 2-1 victory over Konyaspor in the final, adding another highlight to an impressive debut spell with the club.
Those performances have helped establish Nwaiwu as one of the Süper Lig’s most highly regarded young defenders and have attracted attention from clubs across several of Europe’s leading leagues.
Interest has emerged from teams in the Premier League, Germany’s Bundesliga and Italy’s Serie A, with the Nigerian now regarded as one of the country’s most sought-after defenders during the current transfer window.
Despite that growing attention, Trabzonspor have shown little willingness to negotiate below their valuation. The Turkish club remain determined to keep hold of the defender unless an offer matching their expectations is received.
Fulham’s improved proposal narrows the gap between the two clubs but still falls short of Trabzonspor’s reported asking price, leaving uncertainty over whether further negotiations will follow.
With the Premier League club looking to reinforce their backline ahead of the new season, Nwaiwu remains a key transfer target. His swift development since arriving in Turkey, combined with his consistent performances and ability to contribute in both penalty areas, has made him one of the most closely watched young defenders in European football this summer.
