Fulham are looking to bolster their defensive ranks and could look to a Turkish Super Lig duo to do so, according to FourFourTwo. The club are preparing for the future with ageing defenders currently on their books.
Fulham are looking to the Turkish Super Lig to bring in a double transfer to bolster their defensive ranks this summer.
With Joachim Andersen turning 30 at the end of May and Issa Diop already 29, Fulham are looking to act proactively and bring in players who can boost their squad now but also hang around for the future.
According to FourFourTwo, Fulham are eyeing up Trabzonspor pair Chibuike Nwaiwu and Wagner Pina this summer, after their impressive season in the Turkish Super Lig.
Trabzonspor sit third in the league, nine points behind Galatasaray.
They have conceded just 34 goals in 31 matches so far, with Pina and Nwaiwu playing a very active role in the league’s fifth-best defence.
It has been known for some time now that Marco Silva is unhappy with the options Fulham have at right back, with Kenny Tete and Timothy Castagne both in their early 30s and both with little time left on their respective contracts.
Pina could act as the perfect man to come in and make that spot his own, while Fulham look to offload Castagne, whose contract runs out at the end of the 2026/27 season.
Pina, who will likely be at the World Cup this summer with Cape Verde, has been one of the standout performers in the SuperLig this season, assisting seven times and playing his role in such a stubborn defence.
The 23-year-old, who was born in Lisbon, moved to Turkey from Portuguese side Estoril in the summer and has been hugely impressive.
It is easy to see why a player like him attracts Silva, who wants to try and match the exciting options he has at left back in the form of Antonee Robinson and Ryan Sessegnon.
At centre back, Fulham have primarily used Andresen and Nigerian Calvin Bassey, with Diop and Jorge Cuenca the other options.
They may now be joined by Nwaiwu, 22, who himself has been eye-catching at both ends of the pitch.
He now has three goals this season, including the winner against Galatasaray in March, while he has helped his team keep nine clean sheets at the other end.
The article read: “It is understood to club have had eyes on Trabzonspor pair Chibuike Nwaiwu and Wagner Pina, aged 22 and 23, respectively.
“Pina and Nwaiwu are both said to be attracting admiring glances from the Bundesliga, too, with Bayer Leverkusen also credited with an interest.”
As always in the modern day, Fulham will not have a load of time to think about whether they want to sign the pair, with teams circling around him.
But, it appears, they are looking at reinforcements at the back which may come as positive news to Marco Silva and fans.