Fulham and Crystal Palace battle for €35m Chibuike Nwaiwu transfer

Fulham could face competition from Crystal Palace in their pursuit of Trabzonspor defender Chibuike Nwaiwu, with the Turkish club reportedly reluctant to sanction a January transfer.

The 23-year-old Nigeria international attracted interest from Fulham during the summer, but the Premier League side failed to reach an agreement with Trabzonspor.

According to Turkish publication Fotospor, Fulham are expected to return with another approach when the winter transfer window opens, while Crystal Palace have begun monitoring the centre-back.

Fulham made several attempts to sign Nwaiwu during the summer transfer window, according to Fotospor.

However, Trabzonspor maintained their financial demands and resisted the Premier League club's approaches.

The defender only joined the Turkish side from Austrian club Wolfsberger AC in January 2026, in a deal reportedly worth €5.5million.

He has since established himself as an important member of Trabzonspor's defence and earned recognition with Nigeria's senior national team.

Nwaiwu's contract runs until June 2030, leaving Trabzonspor under no immediate pressure to negotiate a sale.

Fulham could revive their interest in January, although there is no confirmation that a new offer has been submitted.

Crystal Palace are also following Nwaiwu's situation, according to the same report.

Manager Pierre Sage could consider defensive reinforcements during the winter window, with the Nigerian offering another potential option at centre-back.

However, Palace's reported interest has not developed into a confirmed bid.

The Eagles' involvement could create competition for Fulham, but Trabzonspor's position remains the main obstacle to either club completing a deal.

Trabzonspor have additional reasons to resist Nwaiwu's departure midway through the campaign.

Arseniy Batagov's reported injury problems and the advancing age of experienced defender Stefan Savić have increased the importance of retaining reliable defensive options.

Fotospor reports that Trabzonspor are not receptive to selling Nwaiwu in January, although an exceptional financial proposal could change their position.

That leaves Fulham and Crystal Palace facing a difficult negotiation if they decide to pursue the defender.

Fulham could renew their pursuit when the January transfer window opens, while Crystal Palace may decide whether to make a formal approach.

Trabzonspor are expected to prioritise keeping Nwaiwu unless an offer arrives that significantly changes their position.