Fulham join PSG, Leverkusen in race for Nigeria star with 2 Super Eagles caps

Premier League side Fulham have entered the race to sign highly-rated Nigeria international defender Chibuike Nwaiwu, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Cottagers are joining European heavyweights Paris Saint-Germain and Bayer Leverkusen in tracking the 22-year-old Trabzonspor centre-back, according to FourFourTwo.

The former Enyimba and Heartland star has become one of the most talked-about young defenders in Europe after a remarkable breakthrough season that has already earned him two senior caps for Nigeria’s Super Eagles.

Fulham’s interest is being driven by manager Marco Silva, who is keen to strengthen his defence ahead of the 2026-27 Premier League campaign. With players such as Issa Diop and Calvin Bassey approaching the final year of their contracts, the London club are planning for the future.

Nwaiwu only joined Trabzonspor in January 2026 from Austrian side Wolfsberger AC in a deal reported to be worth between €5.5m and €9m, but he has wasted no time making an impression. Standing at 1.93 metres, he combines physical strength with calmness on the ball, qualities that have quickly made him a key figure at the heart of defence.

His impact has not been limited to defending. In February, he scored a dramatic late winner against Galatasaray, before adding two more goals against Fatih Karagümrük, a rare return for a central defender.

Nwaiwu: From Port Harcourt to Fulham’s wishlist

Born in Port Harcourt, Nwaiwu began his professional career in the NPFL with Heartland in 2021, initially playing as a defensive midfielder. After the club’s relegation, he moved to Enyimba, where coach Finidi George converted him into a centre-back.

That decision proved crucial. Nwaiwu played a key role as Enyimba won the 2022-23 Nigeria Professional Football League title, using his height and strength to dominate opposition forwards.

His performances earned him a move to Wolfsberger AC in September 2024, where he continued his rapid development. He helped the Austrian club win the 2024-25 Austrian Cup, starting in the final, and gained attention for his defensive numbers, particularly his success in ground duels.

Now, just months after arriving in Turkey, he is attracting interest from across Europe. Leverkusen see him as a natural fit for their high defensive line, valuing both his pace and ability to play in multiple positions, including right-back and defensive midfield.

Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain are monitoring him as part of their long-term recruitment strategy, while Fulham believe their growing Nigerian core, featuring players like Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze and Bassey, could give them an edge in negotiations.

Trabzonspor, however, are in a strong position. Nwaiwu signed a four-and-a-half-year contract in January, meaning any club will likely have to pay a significant fee to secure his services this summer.