Turkish club Trabzonspor have turned down a second offer from Premier League side Fulham for Nigerian defender Chibuike Nwaiwu, maintaining that they will only consider a sale if their valuation is met.
According to reports from Turkey, Fulham's latest proposal was worth €28 million, including a guaranteed €25 million and €3 million in performance-related bonuses. However, Trabzonspor are reportedly demanding between €30 million and €35 million for the Super Eagles centre-back.
The London club had previously failed with an opening bid of €20 million.
Nwaiwu joined Trabzonspor from Austrian outfit Wolfsberger AC in January and quickly became a key figure in the team's defence. His impressive performances helped the club finish third in the Turkish Super Lig, qualify for next season's UEFA Europa League and lift the Turkish Cup.
The 22-year-old has attracted attention from several clubs across Europe, including West Ham United, Napoli, Bayer Leverkusen and Leeds United, but Fulham are believed to have made him their top defensive target ahead of the new campaign.
If Trabzonspor eventually receive their asking price, the transfer would become the biggest sale in Turkish Super Lig history, eclipsing the previous record set when Brighton signed Ferdi Kadıoğlu from Fenerbahçe for €30 million in 2024. It would also rank Nwaiwu among the most expensive Nigerian footballers ever transferred.
Despite growing interest, Trabzonspor are under no immediate pressure to sell, as the defender remains under a long-term contract and has not publicly indicated a desire to leave. Fulham are, however, expected to return with another offer as they continue efforts to strengthen their squad before the start of the new Premier League season.
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