A rapid rise from Austria to Turkey to the Super Eagles is now driving a transfer scramble that could make him Turkish football’s most expensive export.
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Trabzonspor have set an asking price of between 30 and 35 million euros for Super Eagles defender Chibuike Nwaiwu, according to journalist Buchi Laba, as interest in the 22 year old continues to build across three of Europe’s top leagues.
Fulham, several other Premier League clubs and a Serie A side are all reported to be monitoring Nwaiwu’s situation this summer, drawn in by a breakout year that has taken him from Austrian football to a Turkish Cup winner’s medal and a first Super Eagles call up.
A Meteoric Rise Since January
Nwaiwu only joined Trabzonspor in the January transfer window from Austrian club Wolfsberger AC, and wasted little time settling into Turkish football, becoming an immediate regular at the heart of the Black Sea Storm’s defence.
He went on to make 21 appearances across all competitions in his debut half-season, playing the full match as Trabzonspor beat Konyaspor 2-1 in May to lift the Turkish Cup, the club’s first-ever domestic cup title.
His form in Turkey earned him a maiden Super Eagles call up from head coach Eric Chelle in March, and he went on to play a part as Nigeria won a record fourth Unity Cup title in May 2026.
Fulham Lead The Chase, But Face Competition
Fulham have already had an offer worth around 20 million euros turned down as they push to strengthen their defensive options, but Trabzonspor’s valuation suggests they will need to significantly improve any future bid.
Should Trabzonspor receive an offer at their stated valuation, it would represent a club record sale and would make Nwaiwu the most expensive player ever sold by a Turkish club, a striking outcome for a player who arrived in the league only six months ago.
For now, Nwaiwu remains a Trabzonspor player, but growing interest from England and Italy suggests a big money move could be only a matter of time if his price is met.
📌 Did You Know?
- Nwaiwu’s Turkish Cup win with Trabzonspor was the club’s first ever domestic cup title in its history.
- He earned his first Super Eagles call up in March 2026, just months after joining Trabzonspor.
- Nigeria’s Unity Cup triumph in May 2026 marked a record fourth title in the competition for the Super Eagles.
- Wolfsberger AC, Nwaiwu’s previous club, competes in the Austrian Bundesliga.
- A 30-35 million euro fee would make Nwaiwu one of the most expensive Nigerian defenders ever sold from a non Big Five league.
- Fulham’s reported 20 million euro opening bid was rejected as Trabzonspor held out for a higher valuation.
