Barely six months after moving to Turkey from Austria, Nigeria defender Chibuike Nwaiwu has emerged on the radar of several clubs, Footy-Africa can exclusively confirm.
According to a source close to the player who spoke exclusively to Footy-Africa, clubs have indeed been monitoring Nwaiwu closely towards the end of the season, although the defender is expected to remain in Turkey for now, despite interest from an unnamed Bundesliga club:
“Yes, there are clubs, not just one, who have been impressed with him, but he feels settled in Turkey and does not want to leave right now. He has become an integral member of the team since joining them, playing well and scoring goals, so it is normal that clubs will try to see if they can sign him.”
Chibuike Nwaiwu unlikely to leave Trabzonspor despite transfer interest
“In fact, I was told one of the top three clubs in the country are also eyeing him, but I doubt any move like that will happen. Trabzonspor will only sell him to a club abroad and at their own valuation. It is a good thing to see how much he has progressed in such a short time since leaving Enyimba. He is destined for great things, and I hope he continues to work hard and show what he can do.”
Since joining the club in January, Nwaiwu has made 35 appearances, scoring four goals and providing one assist from a centre-back position, a return that places him among the top four highest-scoring defenders in the league.
Nwaiwu completed a move to Turkish Süper Lig side Trabzonspor in January, joining from Austrian Bundesliga outfit Wolfsberger AC.
The 22-year-old centre-back signed a long-term deal with the Turkish club that will keep him at Trabzonspor until June 2030. The deal was said to be worth an initial €5.5 million, a club-record transfer for Wolfsberger – with the fee potentially rising to €9 million through performance-based add-ons.
After a stellar half-season with the team, his performances have not gone unnoticed.
Four clubs Chibuike Nwaiwu could join ahead of the summer transfer window
Reports have now surfaced claiming that a €20 million bid has already been tabled for the defender, but Trabzonspor are said to be unwilling to sell for less than €40 million, despite the player currently being valued at €7 million by Transfermarkt.
