Chibuike Nwaiwu: How Much the Super Eagles Star Will Cost Lazio, Fulham, and Others

Trabzonspor has made a decisive move regarding the future of Super Eagles defender Chibuike Nwaiwu amid mounting transfer interest ahead of the summer window, reports Afrik‑Foot.

The Nigerian centre‑back has become a prime target for several clubs eager to sign him from the Turkish Super Lig, just six months after joining Papara Park and delivering a string of impressive performances.

Nwaiwu’s career has risen rapidly, moving from the Nigerian league to Europe in a short period. He began his senior career with Heartland in the Nigeria Premier Football League before transferring to Enyimba, where he played a key role in their NPFL title‑winning campaign in the 2022–23 season.

His first European move came in the summer of 2024 when he joined Austrian side Wolfsberger. He helped the club secure their first-ever domestic trophy in the 2024–25 season before continuing his swift ascent with a transfer to Trabzonspor in January for a fee of around €6 million.

Super Eagles and Trabzonspor defender Chibuike Nwaiwu. Copyright: IMAGO/GEPAxpictures/xMatthiasxTrinkl

The 22‑year‑old made an outstanding debut season in Turkey, quickly becoming an integral part of the squad and making 21 appearances across all competitions, helping Trabzonspor lift the Turkish league title.

Trabzonspor sets price tag for Chibuike Nwaiwu

Nigerian defender Chibuike Nwaiwu continues to attract interest from several top European clubs, and Trabzonspor has now taken the next step in determining his future ahead of the next transfer window.

Reports suggest that the Black Sea Storm have valued the young defender at €35–40 million, amid interest from Bayer Leverkusen, Fulham and Italian side Lazio.

Super Eagles and Trabzonspor defender Chibuike Nwaiwu. Copyright: GEPAxpictures/xAvnixRetkoceriIMAGO

If a transfer is completed at that fee, it would become Trabzonspor’s most expensive sale ever and the highest export in Turkish football history, surpassing the €30 million that Brighton & Hove Albion paid for Turkish full‑back Ferdi Kadıoğlu from Fenerbahçe in the summer of 2024.

The valuation appears modest, especially given the current inflation in the transfer market and Nwaiwu’s strong performances to date. It will also alert interested clubs, who may now intensify their efforts to secure his signature.

Lazio ready to step up pursuit

According to reports, Lazio have emerged as serious contenders to sign the young Nigerian centre‑back from Trabzonspor ahead of the summer transfer window.

The Italian club are preparing for the potential departure of Alessio Romagnoli, who has been linked with a move to Qatari side Al‑Sadd. Nwaiwu has therefore been identified as a strong candidate to bolster their defence and replace the experienced Italian centre‑back.

Super Eagles and Trabzonspor defender Chibuike Nwaiwu. Copyright: xToyinxOshodix IMAGO

Lazio have already had an offer of around €9 million rejected, as Trabzonspor remain firm on their valuation. However, the Serie A club are expected to return with an improved bid, although the Turkish club are under no pressure to sell this summer, as he only recently joined the club and remains under contract until 2030.

Trabzonspor will only consider offers that meet their valuation. Otherwise, Nwaiwu is expected to continue his development in Turkey and help the club in their title challenge next season.

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Ayomide Oguntimehin

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Ayomide Oguntimehin is a CAF‑accredited sports journalist and Editor at Soccernet.ng & Afrik Foot. Ayomide has worked with Sports Brief, Naija News and served as Social Lead Editor at Legit.ng. He has also featured on Goal, TVC News, Sports Mole, Topmercato, and Milan News24, among others. He holds a master’s degree and is currently pursuing a PhD. Follow Ayomide on X: @ayo_oguntimehin.