Fulham agree personal terms with Super Eagles centreback Chibuike Nwaiwu as they seal four year deal

SUPER Eagles centreback Chibuike Nwaiwu has moved a step closer to playing in the English Premier League next season after his agents and Fulham agreed on the details of personal terms.

Nwaiwu, 22, is currently plying for Turkish Super Lig side Trabzonspor but Fulham are desperate to sign him, as they want to presumably play him alongside compatriot Calvin Bassey in the heart of their defence. Already, Fulham have had two bids for Nwaiwu rejected by Trabzonspor as the two clubs disagree on the valuation of the player but with personal terms now agreed, Fulham may have more room for flexibility.

According to French sports outlet, Foot Mercato, Fulham have reached an agreement with Nwaiwu on a four-year contract. Now, all that remains is for Alvaro Arbeloa’s side to reach an agreement with Trabzonspor, who want at least €30m for the Super Eagles centreback who joined them from Austrian club Wolfsberger AC in January.

Since joining the Turkish club, Nwaiwu has scored three goals and registered one assist in 21 matches across all competitions for the Black Sea Storm. He has emerged as one of the most exciting defensive prospects after enjoying a breakthrough Turkish Super Lig campaign last season.

Comfortable at centreback, rightback, defensive midfield and central midfield, his versatility has quickly become one of his standout qualities. His impressive form, which helped Trabzonspor finish third in the Turkish league also earned him a Nigeria debut in March, with Nwaiwu going on to collect three caps during the international window.

According to Turkish journalist Hasan Tuncel, Fulham have now re-opened talks with Trabzonspor as they step up their pursuit, remaining determined to complete the transfer of Nwaiwu. If Trabzonspor sell Nwaiwu for a staggering €30m, it would represent a huge profit after signing him for just €6m only a few months ago.

Fulham view the versatile defender as an ideal long-term addition, with his age, adaptability and potential making him one of the club’s leading defensive targets during the current transfer window. As they look to strengthen after last season’s 11th-place finish, the Cottagers are also exploring a move for Thomas Kristensen to reinforce the backline and have joined Leeds United in the race for Southampton's Shea Charles to add further quality in midfield.