Crystal Palace move to rival Fulham for Super Eagles defender Chibuike Nwaiwu

Crystal Palace have launched a late bid to sign Nigeria international Chibuike Nwaiwu from Trabzonspor, challenging Fulham’s long-running pursuit of the defender and setting up a potential Premier League tug-of-war for his signature.

Fulham have been working on a deal for the 23-year-old throughout the summer and have already had two offers turned down by the Turkish club. Trabzonspor are understood to be demanding between €30m and €35m – a fee that would make Nwaiwu the most expensive outgoing transfer in Turkish football history.

Despite that valuation, Fulham intensified their efforts after Moroccan defender Issa Diop left Craven Cottage for Ipswich Town. The Cottagers have agreed personal terms with Nwaiwu and had been focused on trying to reach a compromise with Trabzonspor over the transfer fee.

However, Foot-Africa reports that Crystal Palace have now entered the race with a late attempt to hijack the move. Palace are determined to beat their Premier League rivals to the deal, which would still see Nwaiwu move to London, but this time to the south of the capital.

Palace step up search for defensive cover
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Palace’s interest has grown amid the anticipated departure of French centre-back Maxence Lacroix, a move that would leave a significant gap in the heart of the Eagles’ defence. The club view Nwaiwu as a ready-made replacement and have approached Trabzonspor to explore the terms of a potential transfer.

While Nwaiwu is not opposed to extending his stay in Turkey, the chance to play in the Premier League is believed to be a major attraction and could prove decisive as talks develop.

For now, his next move remains unresolved, but a switch to England appears increasingly probable. Whether he ends up at Selhurst Park or Craven Cottage is expected to hinge on which club is prepared to meet Trabzonspor’s valuation.

Rapid rise across Europe

Nwaiwu’s emergence over the past year has been swift and striking. Only last season he was playing in the Austrian Bundesliga with Wolfsberger, where he played a key role in the club’s historic Austrian Cup triumph in the 2024-25 campaign – the first major domestic trophy in Wolfsberger’s history.

His performances in Austria earned him a move to Trabzonspor in the winter transfer window earlier this year. The Nigerian quickly established himself as one of the mainstays of the Turkish side’s back line, making multiple appearances across all competitions.

He capped his debut half-season in Turkey by playing the full 90 minutes in Trabzonspor’s 2-1 victory over Konyaspor in the Turkish Cup final, helping the club secure silverware and further enhancing his reputation.

Impact on international stage

Nwaiwu’s club form has been mirrored on the international stage. He made his debut for the Super Eagles in March and went on to become a central figure in defence as Eric Chelle’s side claimed the 2026 Unity Cup title.

Those displays for both club and country have now drawn sustained interest from the Premier League, with Crystal Palace and Fulham locked in a battle to convince Trabzonspor – and the player – that their project is the right next step in his rapidly ascending career.