Awaziem closing in on Konyaspor switch after Nantes relegation

Super Eagles defender Chidozie Awaziem is set to join Turkish Super Lig side Konyaspor on a two-year contract, with the club poised to pay €1m to Nantes for the centre-back’s services.

The Nigeria international has reportedly agreed personal terms on a deal that includes an option for Konyaspor to extend his stay in Konya by a further year.

If the move is finalised, it will bring an end to Awaziem’s spell at Nantes after just one season and signal a return to a league where he previously impressed with Caykur Rizespor and Alanyaspor.

€1m fee agreed with Nantes

Konyaspor are expected to pay €1m to the French club, who signed Awaziem from Major League Soccer side Colorado Rapids last summer.

Nantes, eight-time champions of France, endured a difficult 2025-26 campaign and were relegated from Ligue 1 after finishing 17th in the table.

Awaziem, 28, featured regularly despite the club’s struggles, making 26 league appearances and contributing one goal and two assists during his time with the Canaries.

The defender’s versatility across the back line is understood to have been a key factor in Konyaspor’s move, as they look to strengthen their squad following a positive season domestically.

Return to familiar territory

A switch to Konyaspor would see Awaziem back in the Turkish Super Lig, where he previously built a strong reputation with Caykur Rizespor and Alanyaspor.

During those earlier spells in Turkey, he established himself as one of the division’s most reliable defenders, attracting interest from several clubs across Europe.

Konyaspor, who finished eighth in the Turkish Super Lig in 2025-26, also reached the Turkish Cup final last season, ultimately losing to Trabzonspor.

The club are aiming to consolidate their position in the upper half of the table and Awaziem is viewed as a player capable of adding experience and defensive solidity to their back line.

The move, once confirmed, will also offer the Super Eagles defender the chance to reassert himself in a familiar environment after a challenging campaign in France marked by team inconsistency and relegation.

Awaziem’s transfer remains subject to the completion of the final formalities, but all parties are understood to be aligned on the terms of the deal, paving the way for his latest chapter in Turkish football.