Super Eagles News: What Fulham’s latest transfer move means for Chibuike Nwaiwu

​Super Eagles defender Chibuike Nwaiwu has been linked with a transfer to English Premier League club Fulham, Afrik-Foot reports.

​The 22-year-old defender only joined the Black Sea Storm in the January transfer window from Wolfsberger in a deal worth €5.5 million, but there is a strong possibility that he could leave Trabzonspor.

​He has been linked with several clubs in recent weeks, with Craven Cottage emerging as a potential destination. The Cottagers have submitted multiple bids for Nwaiwu, though they are yet to reach a breakthrough.

Trabzonspor’s Chibuike Nwaiwu linked with Fulham. Copyright: Imago

​Trabzonspor view the Super Eagles star as a top prospect capable of commanding a major fee in the next few years. With four years remaining on his contract, the Turkish club have stood firm in their decision to retain the Nigerian.

​However, Fulham remain persistent. Under a new dispensation — with manager Alvaro Arbeloa having replaced long-term boss Marco Silva — the club are desperate to fortify their squad to compete effectively next season.

​Although Trabzonspor have been playing hardball, it appears the Londoners may be close to concluding the transfer, and their latest market activity suggests a deal for Nwaiwu could already be nearing completion.

Super Eagles and Trabzonspor defender Nwaiwu. Copyright: xToyinxOshodix IMAGO

​Fulham’s Latest Transfer Update and What It Means for Nwaiwu

​On Monday, July 20, news emerged that Moroccan defender Issa Diop had joined Ipswich Town in a deal worth €10 million.

​Diop had been at Fulham since 2022 but struggled to secure a consistent starting spot.

​Even so, he played a valuable role as a reliable squad member, frequently featuring off the bench or filling in for Calvin Bassey and Timothy Castagne.

​With his departure, the Cottagers will undoubtedly need to sign a replacement, making them all the more determined to finalize the Nwaiwu deal as soon as possible.

​Recall that Fulham’s latest offer for the Nigerian stands at €30 million, with no reports of Trabzonspor rejecting the bid.

Super Eagles and Trabzonspor defender Chibuike Nwaiwu. Photo by Seskimphoto / IMAGO

Also, Nwaiwu has expressed a strong desire to leave the club this summer, increasing the likelihood that the former Turkish champions will relent.

​As it stands, with the Nigerian already agreeing on personal terms, the final hurdle for the transfer is securing Trabzonspor’s formal acceptance of the bid. Once that is sorted, the move is expected to go through.

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Kelvin Omachonu

Sports Writer

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Kelvin Omachonu is a sports writer covering Nigeria, with 6 years in sports media and a Reuters Digital Journalism certification. A bettor for 7 years, he specialises in football and basketball odds and responsible gambling, and has used operators including Bet9ja, SportyBet, Betano and 1xBet.