Fulham face Crystal Palace threat – 'Astronomical offer' needed for January deal

Fulham and Crystal Palace both eyeing Trabzonspor centre-back Nwaiwu; Turkish club demanding €30-35m after rejecting €20m and €28m bids last summer.

Fulham and Crystal Palace are competing to sign Trabzonspor centre-back Chibuike Nwaiwu in the January transfer window. The 23-year-old Nigerian has impressed at the Turkish club since joining from Wolfsberger AC in January 2024 for €5.5m, making 31 appearances and scoring four goals.

Fulham previously pursued Nwaiwu in the summer, with the player agreeing personal terms in July. However, the move collapsed after Trabzonspor rejected bids of €20m and €28m, demanding €30-35m instead. The London club are expected to return with a fresh offer in January, but will face competition from Crystal Palace.

Trabzonspor are unlikely to lower their asking price. With Stefan Savić turning 36 in January and Arseniy Batagov sidelined by injury, the club will only sell if an "astronomical offer" is tabled. Transfermarkt currently values Nwaiwu at €18m, an €11m increase since his arrival.