Fulham and Crystal Palace dealt setback in pursuit of Trabzonspor defender Chibuike Nwaiwu

Fulham and Crystal Palace face an uphill battle to sign Super Eagles defender Chibuike Nwaiwu, with former Trabzonspor assistant coach Hamdi Zıvalıoglu predicting the 23-year-old will remain in Turkey for at least another six months.

The centre-back has emerged as a target for several Premier League clubs after making an impressive start to life at Trabzonspor. Fulham are understood to have shown the strongest interest and had reportedly agreed personal terms with Nwaiwu over a proposed four-year contract.

The London club then improved their offer to about €28m, comprising €25m guaranteed and a further €3m in potential add-ons. Trabzonspor rejected the proposal and have made it clear that Nwaiwu will not be sold unless they receive an exceptional offer.

Crystal Palace have also identified the Nigeria international as a possible defensive addition. Their interest follows the departure of Marc Guehi to Manchester City and Maxence Lacroix’s permanent transfer to Chelsea.

However, Trabzonspor’s firm stance has made a move increasingly difficult before the summer transfer window closes.

Nwaiwu joined the Turkish club from Wolfsberger AC during January’s transfer window and quickly became an important member of Fatih Tekke’s team. He made 16 Turkish Super Lig appearances in the second half of last season, scoring three headed goals.

Those displays attracted attention from England, with Fulham prepared to invest heavily in a player they view as a long-term solution in central defence. Manager Alvaro Arbeloa made Nwaiwu a priority after Issa Diop moved to Ipswich Town.

Zıvalıoglu, speaking to Turkish outlet Haber61, said he expected Nwaiwu to stay with the Turkish Cup winners until at least the winter transfer window.

Trabzonspor’s determination to retain the defender comes as their ambitions increase ahead of the new campaign. The club have signed Mohamed Salah on a free transfer, a move that has significantly raised their profile and expectations.

The Egypt forward is expected to lead an ambitious team alongside Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu. Onuachu scored 22 Turkish Super Lig goals last season, finishing among the division’s leading scorers.

Trabzonspor are also targeting a strong European campaign, making the prospect of losing one of their key defenders particularly unattractive. Club president Ertugrul Dogan has insisted that important players will not be sold before the end of the transfer window unless an exceptional bid is made.

The Turkish club are further protected by Nwaiwu’s contract. The former Enyimba defender has four years remaining on his current deal, leaving Trabzonspor under no immediate financial pressure to accept an offer.

Fulham would therefore have to improve significantly on their €28m proposal if they are to persuade the club to reconsider. Palace would face a similar requirement as they seek to rebuild their defence.

Nwaiwu’s pre-season has been less convincing. He conceded three penalties and scored an own goal in four matches, but those incidents have not changed Trabzonspor’s view that he should remain with the squad.

Instead, the club appear prepared to give him further time to develop alongside their new-look team. Staying in Turkey would allow Nwaiwu to continue playing regularly, while a full season with high-profile players including Salah and Onuachu, together with European football, could enhance both his development and his position within the Super Eagles squad.