Nigeria defender Chibuike Nwaiwu wants to remain at Trabzonspor for at least another season despite attracting interest from clubs in England and Germany, Footy-Africa can exclusively confirm.
Sources close to the player have told Footy-Africa that Nwaiwu’s preference is to remain in Turkey for at least one more season as he continues his development, although they acknowledge the final decision will rest with Trabzonspor.
Speaking recently amid the transfer speculation, Nwaiwu reaffirmed his commitment to the club.
“I have an ongoing contract with Trabzonspor, so I need to go back and continue my path with my club,” he told a Turkish television channel. “Yes, that is my club, and I am a contracted player there. Whatever happens from now on happens.”
The 22-year-old centre-back has emerged as one of the Turkish club’s standout performers since joining from Austrian side Wolfsberger in January 2026.
Nwaiwu quickly established himself as a first-team regular, helping Trabzonspor win the Turkish Cup and secure European football for next season. He featured in every domestic cup match and made 21 league appearances, contributing three goals and one assist during an impressive debut campaign.
His performances have not gone unnoticed. Premier League clubs West Ham United and Fulham are both monitoring the Nigeria international, while Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen are also understood to be interested.
Fulham are reported to have submitted an offer worth around €20m (£17m), but Trabzonspor rejected the bid.
Reports in Turkey claim West Ham have now joined the race for the defender and are prepared to compete with Fulham and Leverkusen for his signature. Trabzonspor are believed to value Nwaiwu at around €40m (£34m), with only an offer in that region likely to persuade the Turkish club to consider a sale.
Trabzonspor stand firm as Bayer, Werder and others chase Chibuike Nwaiwu
With four and a half years remaining on his contract, Trabzonspor are under no immediate pressure to sell and remain in a strong negotiating position.
The Turkish Cup holders are expected to consider a transfer only if their valuation of one of their most valuable assets is met.
