Trabzonspor coach Fatih Tekke has identified a Nigerian center-back as one of the priority signings the club must make in the January transfer window, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Black Sea Storm have been impressive in the Turkish Super Lig this season, collecting 35 points from 16 league games.
They are currently placed third on the table, four points behind leaders and defending champions Galatasaray.
While the forward line has been clinical — with Paul Onuachu, Felipe Augusto, and Ernest Muci firing on all cylinders — the backline has been suspect on a few occasions. As such, the club is looking to bolster its squad.
The Black Sea Storm can smell blood and are looking to mount a solid push for the title in the second half of the season.
To aid their challenge, coach Tekke has informed the Trabzonspor hierarchy that he wants Nigerian defender Chibuike Nwaiwu, according to reports from Aspor.
The former Enyimba man joined Austrian club Wolfsberger last year and has evolved into a vital member of the team.
Nwaiwu has made 12 appearances in the Austrian Bundesliga this season, and as a result of his impressive displays, he has attracted interest from clubs including Lille, Bayer Leverkusen, Lens, PSG, and Olympique Marseille.
The 22-year-old defender is technically gifted, quick, and a ruthless marker. These are qualities that have kept him on the radar of several top European clubs.
Can Trabzonspor Secure Nwaiwu From Wolfsberger?
Securing Chibuike Nwaiwu from Wolfsberger might be a difficult task for Trabzonspor. As previously reported by Soccernet.ng, the Austrian club is unwilling to sell their Nigerian talent during the January transfer window.
Consequently, it would take significant persuasion for them to budge. Also, Wolfsberger value Nwaiwu at €10 million, a big figure for the former Turkish champions.
If the Black Sea Storm want to sign him, they may have to wait until next summer to finalize a deal or break the bank to get him in January, which is highly unlikely.