Chibuike Nwaiwu — What Super Eagles star will cost Lazio, Fulham and others

Trabzonspor have taken a major decision regarding the future of Super Eagles defender Chibuike Nwaiwu amid growing transfer interest ahead of the summer window, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Nigerian defender has emerged as a top target for several clubs hoping to lure him away from the Turkish Super Lig just six months after his arrival at Papara Park, following an impressive run of performances.

Nwaiwu has enjoyed a meteoric rise in his career, progressing from the Nigerian league to Europe in a short space of time. He began his senior career at Heartland in the Nigeria Premier Football League before moving to Enyimba, where he played a key role in their NPFL title-winning campaign during the 2022–23 season.

His first move to Europe came in the summer of 2024 when he joined Austrian side Wolfsberger. He helped the club secure their first-ever domestic trophy in the 2024–25 season before continuing his rapid rise with a move to Trabzonspor in January for a fee of around €6 million.

The 22-year-old enjoyed a superb debut campaign in Turkey, immediately becoming an important part of the team and went on to make 21 appearances across all competitions, helping Trabzonspor win the Turkish league title.

Trabzonspor set price tag for Chibuike Nwaiwu

Nigerian defender Chibuike Nwaiwu continues to attract interest from several top European clubs, and Trabzonspor have now taken the next step on his future ahead of the next transfer window.

Reports suggest that the Black Sea Storm have placed a valuation of €35–40 million on the young defender, amid interest from the likes of Bayer Leverkusen, Fulham and also Italian side Lazio.

If a transfer goes through at that fee, it would not only make Nwaiwu the most expensive sale in Trabzonspor’s history, but also the highest export in Turkish football history and would surpass the €30 million Brighton & Hove Albion paid for Turkish full-back Ferdi Kadıoğlu from Fenerbahçe in the summer of 2024.

The fee appears very modest, particularly when considering the current inflation in the transfer market and the impressive form of the Nigerian defender so far. It will also put interested clubs on high alert, as they may now step up their efforts and compete to win the race for his signature.

Lazio ready to step up pursuit 

According to reports, Lazio have now emerged as serious contenders to sign young Nigerian centre-back Nwaiwu from Trabzonspor ahead of the summer transfer window.

The Italian club are preparing for the potential departure of Alessio Romagnoli, who has been linked with a move to join Qatari side Al-Sadd. Nwaiwu has therefore been identified as a strong candidate to strengthen their defence and replace the experienced Italian centre-back.

Lazio have already had an offer of around €9 million rejected, as Trabzonspor remain firm on their valuation. However, the Serie A club are expected to return with an improved bid, although the Turkish club are under no pressure to sell this summer, as he only recently joined the club and remains under contract until 2030. 

Trabzonspor will only consider offers that meet their valuation. Otherwise, Nwaiwu is expected to continue his development in Turkey and help the club in their title challenge next season.