Fulham agree Nwaiwu terms: How Super Eagles star could become Trabzonspor’s record departure

Fulham have reached an agreement on personal terms with Super Eagles defender Chibuike Nwaiwu, but the Premier League club still has work to do before completing the transfer, Afrik-Foot reports.

The English side have already seen two offers rejected by Turkish club Trabzonspor, who are refusing to lower their asking price for one of their most valuable players.

According to reports, Fulham first submitted a €20 million bid for the 22-year-old centre-back. After that was turned down, they returned with an improved package worth €28 million, made up of a guaranteed €25 million fee and another €3 million in performance-related bonuses.

Trabzonspor rejected the second proposal as well, insisting that Nwaiwu, who was also targeted by Napoli, will only be sold for between €30 million and €35 million. Some reports even suggest the Turkish Cup winners are hoping to receive as much as €40 million before allowing him to leave.

Despite the delay, Fulham have already reportedly reached a verbal agreement with the Nigerian international over his salary and contract terms. The remaining obstacle is finding a transfer fee that satisfies Trabzonspor.

The West Ham-linked defender’s position has also changed during the negotiations. While he was initially open to staying in Turkey after an impressive first six months at the club, his representatives have now informed Trabzonspor that he wants to move to England.

Playing in the Premier League is believed to be his preferred next step as he hopes to strengthen his place in Nigeria’s senior national team. Fulham are not alone in the race, with fellow Premier League side West Ham United also monitoring the situation.

Nwaiwu: Trabzonspor hoping to complete a record-breaking sale

Trabzonspor’s determination to hold out for a higher fee is partly based on the history Nwaiwu could create if the deal eventually goes through.

Any transfer worth at least €30 million would become the biggest sale in the club’s history. Their current record departure is goalkeeper Uğurcan Çakır, who left for Galatasaray in a deal worth €27.5 million.

If Fulham or another interested club eventually pay between €30 million and €40 million, Nwaiwu would not only become Trabzonspor’s most expensive sale but could also set a new record for the highest transfer fee ever received by a Turkish Süper Lig club.

That explains why Trabzonspor have remained firm during negotiations despite Fulham’s improved offer.

Why Nwaiwu’s value has risen so quickly

Nwaiwu’s rapid rise has surprised many football fans because he only joined Trabzonspor during the January 2026 transfer window.

The Turkish club signed him from Austrian side Wolfsberger AC for just €5.5 million, meaning a sale for €30 million or more would give them a profit of over €24 million in less than a year.

The Nigerian defender quickly became one of the first names on the team sheet, starting 16 league matches after arriving in Turkey. His commanding displays at the heart of the defence helped Trabzonspor reach and win the Turkish Cup final against Konyaspor.

Standing at 1.93 metres tall, Nwaiwu also became a major threat from set-pieces. He scored three important headed goals, including the winner against league champions Galatasaray, further boosting his reputation.

His impressive club performances also earned him a breakthrough with the Super Eagles, where he has already won three senior international caps.

With personal terms already agreed, attention now turns to whether Fulham will submit a third offer capable of convincing Trabzonspor to complete what could become the biggest transfer involving a Nigerian defender and a record-breaking sale in Turkish football.