Turkish Super Lig side Trabzonspor have rejected a second offer from Premier League club Fulham for Super Eagles defender Chibuike Nwaiwu, maintaining they will not sell the centre-back for less than their asking price.
According to Turkish outlet Fanatik, Fulham's improved bid, worth around €28 million, including a guaranteed €25 million plus €3 million in performance-related add-ons, fell short of Trabzonspor's valuation. The Turkish club are reportedly holding out for a fee between €30 million and €35 million.
Fulham's latest proposal follows an earlier €20 million offer that was also rejected last month.
Nwaiwu has enjoyed a rapid rise since joining Trabzonspor from Austrian side Wolfsberger AC in January. The 22-year-old quickly established himself as a key figure in defence, helping the club finish third in the Super Lig, qualify for next season's UEFA Europa League and lift the Turkish Cup.
His impressive displays have attracted interest from several top European clubs, including West Ham United, Napoli, Bayer Leverkusen and Leeds United. However, Fulham are believed to have identified the Nigerian international as their primary defensive target ahead of the new Premier League campaign.
Should Trabzonspor eventually secure their desired fee, the transfer would become the most expensive sale in Turkish Super Lig history, surpassing the €30 million Brighton paid Fenerbahçe for Ferdi Kadıoğlu in 2024. It would also make Nwaiwu the fourth most expensive Nigerian footballer of all time.
Despite growing interest, Trabzonspor are under no immediate pressure to sell, with Nwaiwu still under a long-term contract and yet to publicly push for a move. Nevertheless, Fulham are expected to return with another improved offer as they continue their pursuit of the highly rated defender.
