English Premier League club Fulham have reportedly agreed personal terms with newly capped Super Eagles defender Chibuike Nwaiwu as negotiations with Turkish side Trabzonspor continue over a potential summer transfer.
The 22-year-old centre-back has emerged as one of Fulham’s top defensive targets following an impressive start to life in Turkey after joining Trabzonspor from Austrian side Wolfsberger AC during the January transfer window.
His commanding performances have also attracted interest from several clubs across Europe.
Reports from Turkey indicate that Nwaiwu’s representatives have reached an agreement with Fulham over the player’s wages and personal contract, leaving the two clubs to resolve the transfer fee before the move can be completed.
Trabzonspor have so far rejected two bids from the London club, including an improved offer reportedly worth about €28 million with add-ons.
The Turkish outfit are believed to be holding out for between €30 million and €40 million before sanctioning the sale of the Nigerian international.
Sources close to the negotiations said Nwaiwu has informed Trabzonspor of his desire to move to the Premier League, with both clubs continuing discussions in a bid to reach a compromise on the transfer valuation.
Nwaiwu’s stock has risen sharply since arriving in Turkey, where he quickly established himself as a key member of Trabzonspor’s defence.
His performances helped the club secure a top-three finish in the Turkish Super Lig and qualify for European competition, while earning him his first senior invitation to the Super Eagles.
The defender is also understood to be keen on completing the move to Craven Cottage as he looks to test himself in the Premier League and strengthen his chances of becoming a regular under Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle.
Should the transfer be finalised, Nwaiwu would become one of the latest Nigerian internationals to feature in England’s top flight, further underlining the growing reputation of Nigerian defenders in European football.
