Nwaiwu looks set to snub Fulham and Palace and stay put in Turkey after his partner gives birth

SUPER Eagles centreback Chibuike Nwaiwu has revealed that he is now unlikely to move to the English Premier league despite the interest in his services by Crystal Palace and Fulham because his family is well settled in Turkey where he has just had a baby.

Over recent weeks, numerous clubs have been requiring about the services of Trabzonspor defender Nwaiwu, who has caught the eye over the last year. Palace and Fulham were touted to be in a race to secure his services, especially after Nwaiwu made his debut for Nigeria in the Unity Cup in London during the summer.

During that tournament, Nwaiwu, 23, combined beautifully with Slavia Prague centreback Igoh Ogbu in the heart of the Nigerian defence, boosting his value. This increased the quest for Nwaiwu with Fulham reaching an agreement on personal terms before talks with Trabzonspor stalled over the transfer fee.

However, Nwaiwu has now revealed that his family is settled and happy in Turkey, waving away any potential move abroad this summer. His latest comments suggest that the situation is about more than football and money as his family has built a life in Trabzon and on May 27,  he and his partner, Melissa, welcomed a daughter.

Nwaiwu said: “Last season I was not single either, I had a girlfriend and she was pregnant and this season our child was born. I am now with my child and my girlfriend. We are in Trabzon with my family and we are very happy here.”

A move to Fulham or Palace would have meant another major change for a young defender who has only been in Turkey since January. In addition, the football side of the decision is also significant as Fulham first offered €20m before returning with a package worth €28m, made up of €25m guaranteed and €3m in performance-related bonuses.

Trabzonspor, however, rejected both proposals and were reported to want between €30m and €35m. Crystal Palace later made an offer of about €30m but Trabzonspor also rejected that proposal while holding out for its €35m valuation of the defender.

In January this year, Nwaiwu joined Trabzonspor from Austrian side Wolfsberger and quickly became a first-team regular. He made 21 appearances in all competitions, scored three goals and helped the club win the Turkish Cup.

There is also a new football attraction in Trabzonspor as Mohammed Salah is now Nwaiwu’s team-mate and the Super Eagles defender has welcomed the challenge of facing the Egyptian in training. Nwaiwu played in the opening day 2-1 win over Başakşehir and said afterwards that he was pleased with the result and his performance.