Trabzonspor president Ertuğrul Doğan has reaffirmed the club’s determination to keep Nigerian defender Chibuike Nwaiwu, insisting that no club has submitted an offer matching the Turkish side’s valuation of the highly rated centre-back.
Nwaiwu has emerged as one of Trabzonspor’s most sought-after players following an impressive start to life in Turkey after joining from Austrian side Wolfsberger AC during the January 2026 transfer window.
The 22-year-old quickly established himself as a key figure in the Black Sea club’s defence, contributing important goals and assists while helping Trabzonspor lift the Turkish Cup and secure a strong finish in the Süper Lig. His outstanding performances also earned him his first senior call-up to the Super Eagles under head coach Eric Chelle.
His rapid development has attracted interest from several European clubs, with Premier League outfit Fulham leading the race for his signature.
The London club reportedly saw an initial offer worth around €20 million rejected before returning with improved proposals believed to be in the region of €25–28 million. Fellow Premier League side Crystal Palace also explored a move, but discussions failed to produce an agreement.
Trabzonspor, however, remain unmoved.
Speaking to Turkish media, club president Doğan made it clear that none of the offers received so far have reflected the club’s valuation of the Nigerian international.
“The offer we’ve been waiting for Chibuike Nwaiwu didn’t come. We’re not considering selling at these figures,” Doğan said.
The Turkish club are understood to value the defender at more than €30 million and have no intention of selling unless a significantly improved bid is submitted before the transfer window closes.
Trabzonspor view Nwaiwu as a central figure in their plans for the upcoming campaign, particularly with the club preparing to compete in European competitions. After only six months at the club, the hierarchy believes his value could rise even further if he continues his impressive development.
For his part, Nwaiwu has previously expressed his commitment to continuing his progress in Turkey despite growing interest from abroad.
With the summer transfer window still open, speculation over the defender’s future is expected to continue. However, Trabzonspor’s firm stance suggests that only an offer exceeding their €30 million valuation will persuade the Turkish club to part ways with one of Nigeria’s fastest-rising defensive talents.
For now, the Super Eagles defender remains focused on the new season in Trabzon, while Premier League admirers weigh up whether to return with an improved bid before the transfer deadline.
