PSG, Leverkusen face Fulham competition for Nigeria’s emerging star

Fulham have stepped up their interest in Nigeria defender Chibuike Nwaiwu, joining Paris Saint-Germain and Bayer Leverkusen in the race for the highly rated centre-back, Footynaija reports.

The 22-year-old, currently with Trabzonspor, has enjoyed a bright start to life in Turkey.

Nwaiwu only arrived in Turkey in January from Wolfsberger AC in a deal reportedly worth about €5.5m, but he has adapted quickly. Standing at 1.93 metres, he offers a strong physical presence alongside composure in possession, making him a key figure at the heart of Trabzonspor’s defence.

Nwaiwu has also shown an eye for goal. In February, he scored a late winner against Galatasaray and later added two more goals against Fatih Karagümrük, an impressive return for a central defender.

🚨 Fulham eye Trabzonspor duo Chibuike Nwaiwu & Wagner Pina according @FourFourTwo🥉
⚫⚪#FFC #Transfers #TransferNews pic.twitter.com/UX8rpTWtSo

— FulhamFanNews (@FulhamTransfer) April 24, 2026

The Port Harcourt-born defender began his career at Heartland FC in 2021 as a defensive midfielder before moving to Enyimba FC. It was there that coach Finidi George converted him into a centre-back, a decision that proved decisive as he helped the club win the 2022–23 league title.

A move to Austria followed in 2024, where he continued his rise and helped Wolfsberger AC lift the Austrian Cup, starting in the final. His performances, particularly in ground duels and positional awareness, have since drawn attention from across Europe.

Chibuike Nwaiwu goal for Trabzonspor!
Bullet header! Nwakaeme with the cross 🇳🇬🇳🇬. pic.twitter.com/lx8novRyB6

— Buchi Laba (@Buchi_Laba) April 4, 2026

Fulham interest is confirmed by FourFourTwo, while Bayer Leverkusen and French giants PSG are also credited with interest in Nwaiwu.

Fulham, meanwhile, believe Nwaiwu could be keen to join fellow Nigerians – Samuel Chukwueze, Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey – at the club. Nwaiwu signed a four-and-a-half-year contract in January, meaning any deal this summer is likely to require a significant transfer fee.