Chibuike Nwaiwu: Two reasons Nigeria & Trabzonspor star refuses to force Fulham transfer

Fulham are focused on signing Nigerian defender Chibuike Nwaiwu this summer, but the Premier League club faces a difficult task after Trabzonspor rejected their opening offer for the highly rated centre-back, Afrik-Foot reports.

The London club reportedly submitted a bid worth around €20 million for the 22-year-old, but Trabzonspor immediately turned it down. The Turkish side are believed to value Nwaiwu close to €40 million after his rapid rise since arriving from Austrian club Wolfsberger AC in January 2026 for €5.5 million.

According to reports from Türkiye, Fulham are preparing an improved offer and have no intention of ending their pursuit. Interest in Nwaiwu is also growing elsewhere, with Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen and several French clubs monitoring the Super Eagles defender.

In a recent interview as per Gunebakis, Nwaiwu has revealed his stance on Fulham’s attempt to take him to the Premier League.

Nwaiwu: Loyalty to Trabzonspor rules out forced exit

Despite the transfer speculation, Nwaiwu has made it clear that he will not push for a move away from Trabzonspor. The defender believes the Turkish club played a major role in his development and rise to international football.

After signing him midway through the season, Trabzonspor quickly made him a key figure in their defence, a decision that helped accelerate his progress and contributed to his first senior Nigeria call-up in March.

Speaking about his future, Nwaiwu said:

“Trabzonspor is my club, I have a contract there and I have to play. I can’t betray them. I will be 100% there at the training camp. I don’t talk about transfer matters; right now my only thought is to return to Türkiye and join my team’s pre-season training camp.”

The Super Eagles defender clearly holds a strong sense of commitment to the club that trusted him when few expected such an immediate impact.

Europa League ambition and unfinished business

Another reason Nwaiwu is unwilling to force a transfer is his desire to continue Trabzonspor’s project on both domestic and European fronts.

The Nigerian defender arrived only six months ago and feels there is still plenty to achieve with the Black Sea club. Trabzonspor are preparing for a Europa League campaign next season and view Nwaiwu as one of the pillars of their defensive unit.

Reflecting on the challenge ahead, he said:

“We will be competing in the Europa League next season. I think we will enter the tournament in the final round of the qualifiers.”

His performances during the second half of last season showed why the club considers him vital. Alongside his defensive reliability, Nwaiwu contributed three goals and one assist, helping Trabzonspor remain competitive near the top of the Turkish Süper Lig standings.

While Fulham’s interest remains serious and another bid could arrive soon, Nwaiwu’s current focus is firmly on pre-season preparations in Türkiye and helping Trabzonspor compete for silverware at home and in Europe.