Trabzonspor set €40m price tag on Nigeria’s Chibuike Nwaiwu amid European interest

Turkish Süper Lig side Trabzonspor has reportedly placed a €40 million valuation on Nigerian defender Chibuike Nwaiwu, a figure that would set a new transfer record in Turkish football if met.

The valuation comes amid growing interest from Europe, with Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen and Premier League club Fulham said to be monitoring the 22-year-old Super Eagles defender ahead of the summer transfer window.

According to Turkish media reports, Trabzonspor have already rejected initial approaches believed to be in the region of €20 million, insisting that they will only consider negotiations at double that amount.

If completed at the asking price, the deal would surpass all previous outgoing transfers in the Turkish Süper Lig, with the current record held by Ugurcan Cakir’s €27.5 million move from Trabzonspor to Galatasaray.

Nwaiwu’s rapid rise has been notable, with the defender’s valuation reflecting his growing reputation in European football. He began his professional career in Nigeria with Heartland FC before moving to Enyimba FC, where he established himself as one of the country’s most promising defensive talents.

The centre-back later secured a move to Austrian side Wolfsberger AC, where he won the Austrian Cup, before joining Trabzonspor in January 2026 for a reported €5.5 million fee.

Since arriving in Turkey, Nwaiwu has become a key figure in the club’s defence, playing a crucial role in their domestic title push and quickly establishing himself as a regular starter.

At 22, he is regarded as a modern defender with strong physical presence, aerial dominance, and tactical flexibility, capable of operating across the backline and contributing to build-up play. He has also added attacking value, scoring three goals in 16 Süper Lig appearances this season.

Trabzonspor are in a strong negotiating position, with the player contracted until 2030 and no public indication that he is pushing for a transfer. Club officials are understood to be unwilling to sanction a sale unless their valuation is met in full.

With interest expected to intensify from top European clubs, the coming weeks could determine whether Nwaiwu remains in Turkey or becomes part of a record-breaking transfer move.