Chibuike Nwaiwu: Fulham, Crystal Palace suffer big blow in pursuit of Super Eagles defender

Fulham and Crystal Palace have suffered a setback in their pursuit of Super Eagles defender Chibuike Nwaiwu after a former Trabzonspor coach backed the Nigerian to remain in Turkey this summer, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 23-year-old centre-back has attracted interest from several Premier League clubs, with Fulham understood to have made the strongest push for his signature.

Crystal Palace have also identified the Nigerian as a potential defensive reinforcement following the departure of Marc Guéhi to Manchester City and Maxence Lacroix's permanent move to Chelsea.

However, their hopes of signing Nwaiwu before the summer transfer window closes have been dealt another blow after former Trabzonspor assistant coach Hamdi Zıvalıoğlu suggested that the defender is unlikely to leave the Turkish Cup winners this summer.

Chibuike Nwaiwu. Copyright: Imagoxpictures/xMatthiasxTrinkl

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Chibuike Nwaiwu expected to remain at Trabzonspor

Nwaiwu's future has been the subject of growing speculation after his impressive first half-season with Trabzonspor. The Nigerian joined the Turkish club from Wolfsberger AC during the January transfer window and quickly established himself as an important part of Fatih Tekke's side.

He made 16 Turkish Süper Lig appearances in the second half of last season, scoring three headed goals in the process. His performances were enough to attract attention from England, with Fulham prepared to invest heavily in the defender.

The London club were understood to have reached personal terms with Nwaiwu over a proposed four-year contract and subsequently improved their offer to around €28 million, including €25 million guaranteed and a further €3 million in add-ons.

Boris Matic and Chibuike Nwaiwu. Copyright: ImagoxAvnixRetkoceri

Trabzonspor rejected the proposal, however, and insist that Nwaiwu is not for sale unless an astronomical offer arrives. That position appears unlikely to change before the end of the current transfer window.

Speaking about the defender's future, Zıvalıoğlu told Turkish outlet Haber61 that he expects Nwaiwu to remain at Trabzonspor for at least another six months.

“He won’t leave now, he might leave in six months. If you can prepare his psychology and mentality, there is another transfer window in January,” he said.

“I don’t think he will leave at this point. Unless astronomical offers come in, he will stay with the team.”

Salah's arrival has strengthened Trabzonspor's position

Trabzonspor's determination to keep Nwaiwu comes at a time when the club's ambitions have grown massively.

The arrival of Mohamed Salah on a free transfer has transformed the Turkish club's profile and raised expectations ahead of the new campaign.

The Egyptian superstar's move has not only brought considerable attention to Trabzonspor but has also strengthened their belief that they can challenge for major titles.

Mohamed Salah celebrates after scoring his side's first goal. Photo by David Rawcliffe/imago

Salah is expected to spearhead an ambitious Trabzonspor side alongside Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu, who finished last season as one of the Turkish Süper Lig's leading scorers with 22 league goals.

The club are also targeting a strong campaign in Europe, making the prospect of losing one of their important defenders particularly unappealing.

Trabzonspor president Ertuğrul Doğan has already made his position clear, insisting that key players will not be sold before the transfer window closes unless an exceptional offer is received.

Nwaiwu's long-term contract also gives the Turkish club considerable leverage. The former Enyimba defender still has four years remaining on his current deal, meaning Trabzonspor are under no immediate pressure to sell.

Coach Fatih Tekke of Trabzonspor. Copyright: Imago

Fulham and Crystal Palace face difficult decision

For Fulham, the latest development represents another obstacle in their attempt to strengthen their defence. Manager Álvaro Arbeloa identified Nwaiwu as a priority target following Issa Diop's move to Ipswich Town, with the Nigerian viewed as a long-term option at the heart of the defence.

But Trabzonspor's refusal to accept their previous €28 million offer means Fulham would likely have to go significantly higher to convince the Turkish club to reconsider.

Crystal Palace face a similar problem. The Eagles are looking to reinforce their defence after losing Guéhi and Lacroix, but Trabzonspor's stance means they would have to make an exceptional offer to prise Nwaiwu away from the club.

Fulham players celebrate. Copyright: ImagoxJPxFletcher

The defender's difficult pre-season has also added an interesting layer to the situation. Nwaiwu conceded three penalties and scored an own goal across four pre-season matches, although those performances have not altered Trabzonspor's determination to retain him.

Rather than viewing the current situation as a reason to sell, the Turkish club appear willing to give the Nigerian more time to develop and establish himself alongside the club's new-look squad.

For Nwaiwu, remaining in Turkey is an opportunity to continue playing regularly at a club with growing ambitions. A full season alongside high-profile players such as Salah and Onuachu, combined with European football, could further develop the defender and strengthen his position within the Super Eagles squad.