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Trabzonspor reject £25m Crystal Palace bid for Nigeria defender Chibuike Nwaiwu
Trabzonspor have rejected an offer of about €30m (£25m; approximately N47bn in Nigerian currency) from Crystal Palace for Nigeria centre-back Chibuike Nwaiwu, according to Haber61.
The Turkish Cup winners have decided to keep the 23-year-old defender as they prepare to challenge for the Super Lig title next season.
Trabzonspor, known as the Black Sea club, are understood to be unwilling to sell Nwaiwu unless they receive a proposal they consider impossible to refuse before the transfer window closes.
Crystal Palace’s reported offer was described as lucrative, but it was not enough to persuade the Turkish club to part with a player they regard as an important part of their plans.
Premier League club Fulham, Crystal Palace’s London rivals, are also interested in Nwaiwu. Several French clubs are monitoring the Nigeria international as well, while the initial report also says there is interest from German clubs.
Nwaiwu has attracted attention following a strong second half of last season with Trabzonspor. He scored three headed goals in 16 league appearances, helping to raise his profile among clubs across Europe.
He joined Trabzonspor from Wolfsberger AC during the January transfer window and remains under contract with the Turkish club until 30 June 2030.
The length of that deal gives Trabzonspor a strong negotiating position, particularly with the club determined to retain the defender for their domestic campaign. However, the club’s stance could change if a substantially improved offer arrives before the transfer deadline.
Nwaiwu was included in Trabzonspor’s travelling squad for their friendly against Goztepe on Saturday evening. His inclusion suggests he remains part of the first-team group while interest in his services continues.
The centre-back’s performances during the closing months of last season have placed him firmly on the radar of Premier League, French and German clubs. For now, though, Trabzonspor have opted to reject Palace’s approach and keep the defender as they pursue success in the Super Lig.
