Fulham Lead Premier League Interest in Trabzonspor Defender Chibuike Nwaiwu
Fulham have emerged as the primary suitors in the Premier League for Chibuike Nwaiwu, with negotiations progressing between the West London club and Trabzonspor over a potential club-record transfer but face competition from West Ham and Crystal Palace according to Sporx.
The 23-year-old Nigeria international joined the Black Sea side from Austrian outfit Wolfsberger AC in January for €5.5m. His physical presence and rapid adaptation to Turkish football—helping Trabzonspor secure the Turkish Cup—have drawn sustained attention from English top-flight sides.
Fulham Bid Escalates Amid Premier League Interest
Fulham head coach Marco Silva has prioritized the signing of a central defender following the departure of Issa Diop.
Bid Progression: Fulham initially saw proposals rejected before increasing their package to €28m (€25m guaranteed plus €3m in performance-related add-ons).
Personal Terms: The player has agreed personal terms in principle on a multi-year deal with Fulham, expressing a clear desire to continue his career in the Premier League.
Trabzonspor Stance: Trabzonspor management remain steadfast in demanding a minimum fee of €30m to €35m. Any agreement structured above €30m would represent the largest player sale in the Turkish club's history.
West Ham and Crystal Palace Monitoring Progress
While Fulham remain furthest along in concrete discussions, West Ham United and Crystal Palace have also registered interest in the defender. Both London clubs are monitoring negotiations closely should Fulham fail to reach Trabzonspor's asking price.
With parallel negotiations ongoing for Samsunspor center-back Rick van Drongelen as a prospective replacement, Trabzonspor are prepared to sanction Nwaiwu's departure once their valuation is met.
https://turkish-football.com/fulham-lead-premier-league-interest-in-trabzonspor-defender-chibuike-nwaiwu/
Fulham offer Nwaiwu salary of N4b p.a. in historic transfer that could break Bassey's record
Fulham continue to thrash out terms with Trabzonspor over the signing of young centre-back Chibuike Nwaiwu.
According to Turkish sports daily Fanatik, the Cottagers have offered the Nigeria international an annual salary of about 2.5 million euros (approximately N4 billion) as part of the proposed transfer.
Fulham have reportedly reached the final stage of negotiations that have been ongoing for weeks, with the transfer fee under discussion exceeding 25 million euros.
However, Trabzonspor are holding out for 30 million euros, including achievable bonuses.
Personal terms are not expected to be an issue as the agent of the former Enyimba defender has already reached an agreement with the Premier League club.
Although Trabzonspor are aiming to sell Nwaiwu for a club-record fee of 30 million euros, the 23-year-old could still break a Nigerian transfer record even if he is sold for a reduced fee of 25 million euros.
If the deal goes through, Nwaiwu would become the most expensive Nigerian defender in history, overtaking Calvin Bassey, who joined Fulham from Ajax three years ago for 23 million euros.
Trabzonspor are already preparing for life without Nwaiwu and have been linked with moves for two African centre-backs — Kojo Peprah Oppong of Ghana and Junior Diaz of Ivory Coast — should the Nigerian complete his move to Fulham.
Nwaiwu is currently training with Trabzonspor in Austria while awaiting an agreement between the Turkish Cup winners and Fulham.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/fulham-offer-nwaiwu-salary-of-n4b-pa-in-historic-transfer-that-could-break-basseys-record#google_vignette
Former Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa begins Fulham journey with loss
Although he impressed with his coaching at the youth levels, Alvaro Arbeloa was dealt a very poor hand when Real Madrid decided to put him in charge of their first team following a surprise dismissal of Xabi Alonso. The former fullback had to manage an explosive dressing room while also ensuring he met the club's requirements by ending the season with at least one major trophy.
Despite impressing in some games, particularly in the Champions League Round of 16 tie against Manchester City and the second league game against Atletico Madrid, things got out of the Spaniard's hands as the season approached its end. The fractures of the dressing room became apparent for everyone to see, and his team was unable to win any piece of silverware.
As a result, he was relieved of his duties after the end of the season. However, he was not short of suitors, and only a few days after leaving the Merengue club, joined the Premier League side Fulham.
However, the start of his tenure at the English club has also not gotten off to a very auspicious start. As Diario AS has noted, his Fulham side ended up losing 2-0 to Norwich in their first friendly game of the preseason, which was also his first game since leaving Real Madrid.
it is clear that the Spaniard will have to work very hard to ensure his new team is up to the standards playing in the most competitive league in Europe. In addition to the competitiveness of the competition, another challenge that Arbeloa will face in England will be the different style of play between the Premier League and La Liga. While the latter emphasizes greater technicality, the former is characterized by a greater emphasis on physicality.
Furthermore, this friendly made it clear that Fulham needs more star players to continue hoping for a place in the first division. Alvaro Arbeloa has already asked his club for several Real Madrid players, and hopefully, he will be able to showcase his talents in England and turn out to be a successful coach going forward into the next season.
https://siempremadrid.com/former-real-madrid-coach-alvaro-arbeloa-begins-fulham-journey-with-loss/
Real Madrid attacker heading towards the exit door amid interest from Fulham, Fiorentina
Franco Mastantuono was one of Real Madrid's big-name signings last summer as he joined from River Plate for a fortune, that too at the age of just 18.
But after a promising start, Mastantuono's impact faded as Xabi Alonso barely utilised his qualities. Injuries didn't help either, while the forward struggled to capitalise on the opportunities he was given.
Things didn't improve under Alvaro Arbeloa, and Mastantuono ended up enduring a difficult debut campaign, at the end of which he was even omitted from Argentina's World Cup squad.
Comeback is not happening for Mastantuono
Now, according to Diario AS, it appears Mastantuono is slowly heading towards the exit door at Real Madrid, and everything suggests he might leave the club on loan.
His first pre-season outing against Alcorcon offered little encouragement. Although he started and won a penalty, that brief spark quickly faded, and the Argentine once again failed to impose the style of play that convinced Real Madrid to spend €63 million on him.
The club still believe in the youngster, but there is a growing sense that he needs a loan spell to rediscover his form.
The plan would be simple: a year elsewhere to gain minutes, string together strong performances and return to the Bernabeu ready to compete.
Mourinho has been assessing him closely and, as ever, is committed to the club's best interests. If Real Madrid give the green light, Franco will leave.
Who is interested in Mastantuono?
Should a loan be sanctioned, there is no shortage of suitors, with the destination set to be evaluated in line with Mastantuono's own preferences.
Fulham lead the race, and the appeal is obvious given they have appointed Arbeloa as their new manager.
The Spaniard worked with Mastantuono last season, and the London club are shaping up as an ambitious project after narrowly missing out on European qualification.
Fiorentina are the latest name to join the race from Serie A, offering another route to regular football.
A return to Argentina, however, has been ruled out, with Real Madrid keen for him to test himself in one of Europe's top five leagues.
https://madriduniversal.com/real-madrid-attacker-heading-towards-the-exit-door-amid-interest-from-fulham-fiorentina/
Preview: Al-Ahli vs Fulham - prediction, team news, lineups
Fulham will play their first public friendly of pre-season on Tuesday, when they travel to Portugal to take on Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli at Estadio Municipal Albufeira.
Alvaro Arbeloa will be keen to make a strong impression on Fulham supporters after being appointed as the successor to long-term manager Marco Silva.
Match preview
Al-Ahli come into Tuesday's clash having finished third in the Saudi Pro League, ending the 2025-26 campaign three points behind Al-Hilal and five behind champions Al Nassr.
Their return of 81 points was 14 more than they totalled in 2024-25, and while they only scored two more league goals (71), they conceded 11 fewer (25) times.
Boss Matthias Jaissle has so far overseen three friendlies ahead of his side's next campaign, with his team losing 4-1 to Holstein Kiel on July 15, drawing 2-2 with Rio Ave on July 19 and losing 3-1 to Vitoria Guimaraes on July 24.
It should be noted that Al-Malaki ended their most recent campaign with five consecutive victories, and their poor showings in pre-season should not necessarily be seen as an indicator of their quality.
Al-Ahli last encountered a British opponent in the summer of 2025, when they settled for a 1-1 stalemate with Celtic before losing 4-2 on penalties in that friendly.
The Cottagers played a behind-closed-doors friendly at Motspur Park on Saturday, losing 2-0 to Norwich City, but the Londoners reportedly wasted a number of opportunities in front of goal.
Arbeloa arrived at Craven Cottage as the replacement for Marco Silva, who left to join Benfica, and it is understandable that many supporters are somewhat sceptical of his appointment.
The Spaniard's only previous experience of top-level management was a turbulent six-month spell at Real Madrid last season, which resulted in the Spanish giants opting for Jose Mourinho instead.
Arbeloa has inherited a Fulham side that finished 11th in the Premier League for a second consecutive season, though their final points return of 52 was two fewer than they managed in 2024-25.
The Cottagers ended last season with a record of two wins, two draws and three losses from their final seven league fixtures, and they concerningly failed to score in four of those games, but they did keep three clean sheets.
Al-Ahli friendly form (all competitions):
L D L
Fulham friendly form:
L
Team News
Al-Ahli could line up with a centre-back pairing of Rayan Hamed and Matteo Dams, with the two likely to be stationed behind defensive midfielder Ziyad Aljohani.
Striker Firas Al-Buraikan will need support from wide forwards Saleh Abu Al-Shamat and Eduard Spertsyan if he is to find the back of the net.
The exit of Harry Wilson to Leeds United has left a significant void in Fulham's attack, and while Oscar Bobb remains away from the squad, they will have to rely on the likes of Kevin and Alex Iwobi in wide areas.
Sasa Lukic and Harrison Reed both played 45 minutes against Norwich, and they may feature together in the middle of the pitch.
Goalkeeper Bernd Leno is a certain inclusion, and the veteran shot-stopper may be positioned behind centre-backs Joachim Andersen and Calvin Bassey.
Al-Ahli possible starting lineup:
Sanbi; Abdulrahman, Hamed, Dams, Balobaid; Goncalves, Aljohani, Millot; Aboulshamat, Al-Buraikan, Spertsyan
Fulham possible starting lineup:
Leno; Tete, Andersen, Bassey, Sessegnon; Reed, Lukic; Iwobi, King, Kevin; Muniz
https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/al-ahli/preview/al-ahli-vs-fulham-prediction-team-news-lineups_601865.html
Mourinho responds to Gonzalo Garcia interest as Fulham plot 'significant' moveWith the Alvaro Arbeloa era set to get underway, Fulham remain without a replacement for Raul Jimenez. The forward rejoined Wolverhampton Wanderers on a free deal once his contract expired in West London early this summer, dealing the Cottagers a disappointing blow.
Since then, further change has taken place. Marco Silva has left for Benfica, Harry Wilson has left for Leeds United and Arbeloa has entered. His arrival is an exciting one, but he needs reinforcements.
To that end, Gonzalo Garcia is quickly beginning to steal headlines. The new Fulham boss could get a reunion with the Real Madrid man, who can play all across the frontline.
The 22-year-old would be an excellent signing for the Cottagers, as they look to make a statement and kickstart what has otherwise been a slow summer of incomings.
If anyone is doubting the Spaniard's quality, then one look at his breakout season at Real Madrid should put those to bed. Garcia scored eight goals in all competitions, including a hat-trick against Real Betis.
In the young forward, Fulham would have a player who can lead their line for years to come and get even better whilst doing so. Whether they can convince Jose Mourinho to sell Garcia is the big question that remains.
Fulham ready to launch 'significant' Gonzalo Garcia offerAs reported by Marca's Matteo Moretto, Fulham are ready to launch a 'significant' offer to sign Garcia from Real Madrid this summer. The forward would be just their second addition of the window and their biggest yet, but early signs are suggesting that a deal may not be so routine.
Mourinho reportedly wants to keep hold of Garcia, making life difficult for Fulham to land their top target. Whether Florentina Perez listens to his new manager, especially as Yan Diomande potentially arrives, remains to be seen. With another attacker on the way, Garcia's development could quickly become blocked.
| League stats 25/26 | Raul Jimenez | Gonzalo Garcia |
| Minutes | 2,199 | 952 |
| Goals | 9 | 6 |
| Assists | 3 | 1 |
| XG | 11.51 | 5.37 |
| Shots per 90 | 3.03 | 1.99 |
Dubbed "spectacular" by former Real Madrid forward Joselu, it's easy to see why Garcia is at the centre of Fulham's attention. The forward was clinical in Spain last season, scoring six goals in just 952 minutes and outperforming his XG.
It's unclear how much Fulham will need to offer if they want to secure his signature, but given how quiet they've been so far this summer, this is a deal that they should go all out for.
https://www.footballfancast.com/mourinho-responds-gonzalo-garcia-interest-fulham-plot-significant-move/