Nwaiwu responds after Trabzonspor’s 2-1 win amid Fulham link

Trabzonspor defender Nwaiwu addressed speculation about a possible Fulham move after his side’s 2-1 victory over Istanbul Başakşehir in the Turkish Süper Lig. The 23-year-old Nigerian said he had seen the reports but remained focused on his football and his existing contract.

Nwaiwu has been linked with Fulham as the Premier League club assess options to strengthen their defence. The London side are seeking a partner for Calvin Bassey, who has been regarded as their strongest defender in recent seasons.

Rather than discuss the prospect of moving to England, Nwaiwu stressed that his immediate attention was on his responsibilities at Trabzonspor. His comments offered no indication that a transfer was close or that he was seeking to leave the Turkish club.

Fulham are listed 12th in the 2026 Premier League table with zero points from zero matches and a 0-0 goal record. Their recent sequence is five matches without a defeat recorded in the supplied form line, with draws against Al-Ahli Saudi and Wolves, defeats by Norwich City and Bournemouth, and a 2-0 win over Newcastle United. Fulham are due to face Chelsea on 24 August 2026.

Nwaiwu’s remarks came after a match decided by two goals from Mohamed Salah. The forward scored in the eighth minute, restored Trabzonspor’s lead shortly after the interval after Eldor Shomurodov had equalised from the penalty spot, and secured the win.

The Nigerian defender also spoke with respect about the challenge of facing Salah. He said defenders must be fully prepared and focused against the Egyptian, whom he considers difficult to stop because of his quality, while adding that he would welcome the chance to test himself against him.