Crystal Palace and Fulham could battle it out for Trabzonspor’s Chibuike Nwaiwu in the winter market.
The centre-back’s fine displays for the Turkish club this year have convinced both Crystal Palace and Fulham.
Trabzonspor reportedly invested around €5.5m to sign him from Austrian side Wolfsberger AC in January. He finished the second half of last season with 21 appearances, even managing three goals and an assist.
This season, he played 983 minutes from 11 matches and is a key figure in his side’s back line. Trabzonspor have conceded eight goals after 10 league matches and have the best defensive record in the league.
Crystal Palace and Fulham keen
Álvaro Arbeloa’s side showed keen interest in the Nigeria international in the summer. In July, we relayed news of him agreeing personal terms, but Fulham couldn’t come to an agreement with his club.
Last week, Sport Witness covered a report from Turkey explaining that Fulham didn’t give up on him. Crystal Palace have joined them in the race to secure the defender’s services, and Trabzonspor will only let him leave for an astronomical price.
The 23-year-old’s performances continue to attract strong interest from the Premier League, where the Eagles and Arbeloa’s side are his suitors. Africa Foot cover the latest about the two London clubs, who continue to monitor Chibuike Nwaiwu.
A source close to him told the outlet that these clubs have a firm desire to sign him.
‘The interest has always been there. An agreement couldn’t be finalised this summer due to issues with finding a replacement and the transfer process,’ a source said.
Crystal Palace and Fulham’s potential offers.
The Süper Lig side could receive bids from both the UEFA Conference League winners and Fulham in January. A move depends on Trabzonspor, who are unlikely to let him leave.
Chibuike Nwaiwu, for his part, wouldn’t be against the idea of staying at the club until the end of this season. He has a contract until 2030, and Transfermarkt value him at €18m.
The same source explained: ‘Everything is in order with the club, and the player is happy to finish the season, as they value him greatly.’
Crystal Palace and Fulham’s proposals have to convince Trabzonspor and Nwaiwu for the move to materialise in the next window.
