Crystal Palace have joined the race for Chibuike Nwaiwu, setting up a transfer duel in England with Fulham for the Super Eagles defender’s signature, with discussions now expected to intensify after Palace entered the frame.
Key takeaways
- Crystal Palace have moved to sign Chibuike Nwaiwu, adding to competition for his services.
- Fulham have been pursuing the 23-year-old throughout the summer after making progress on personal terms.
- Trabzonspor have rejected two bids for the defender so far.
- Trabzonspor’s reported valuation sits between €30 million and €35 million.
- If agreed, the fee would represent the priciest outgoing transfer in Turkish football history.
- Fulham’s push increased after Issa Diop left for Ipswich Town.
Crystal Palace join Fulham in transfer push
Crystal Palace have entered negotiations for Chibuike Nwaiwu, positioning the Premier League club to compete directly with Fulham for the Super Eagles defender. The development raises the stakes of the summer window for both English sides as they seek to secure the player’s next move.
Fulham’s summer pursuit and Trabzonspor’s stance
Fulham have been working on a transfer agreement for the 23-year-old throughout the summer and have already encountered resistance from Trabzonspor. Turkish club Trabzonspor have reportedly turned down two separate offers for Nwaiwu, indicating they are prepared to hold out for a substantial fee.
Trabzonspor are understood to be seeking a payment in the region of €30 million to €35 million. That asking price, if met, would place Nwaiwu as the most expensive outgoing transfer in the history of Turkish football.
Diop’s exit boosts Fulham’s urgency
Even with the price tag at the top end of what is expected for a transfer of this nature, Fulham intensified their pursuit after Moroccan defender Issa Diop moved to Ipswich Town. The Cottagers have already reached agreement with Nwaiwu on personal terms and have remained focused on finalising a deal with Trabzonspor to bring the transfer over the line.
