Nigeria and Wolfsberger AC star Chibuike Nwaiwu. Photo by IMAGO
A host of top European clubs are battling to sign highly rated Nigerian defender Chibuike Nwaiwu following his standout rise in Austria, Soccernet.ng reports.
According to French outlet Top Mercato, some of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Olympique Marseille, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayer Leverkusen and Leeds United are keen on the former Enyimba FC star.
The 22-year-old Nwaiwu has attracted significant attention after a string of commanding performances for Wolfsberger AC, where he has quickly become one of the Austrian Bundesliga’s most influential young defenders.
As per the reports, Ligue 1 champions PSG and Marseille are already leading the enquiries from France with LOSC Lille, Lens and Strasbourg also interested.
Nwaiwu’s admirers extend to the German Bundesliga where Bayer Leverkusen are said to have registered firm interest.
Leeds United are also monitoring developments closely as the Premier League side explore defensive reinforcements ahead of the second half of the season.
Nwaiwu’s versatility, he is capable of playing both as a centre-back and a holding midfielder, has further elevated his value among scouts across Europe.
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Chibuike Nwaiwu: A rising star forged in Nigeria and refined in Austria
Born and developed in Nigeria, Nwaiwu came through Borussia Digitals Sporting Academy before representing Enyimba International and Heartland FC.
He moved to Wolfsberger AC in January 2024 and settled rapidly, helping the club win the Austrian Cup last season. Nwaiwu has already made nearly 50 appearances, contributing five goals and an assist, while establishing himself as a reliable, physically dominant presence.
Standing at 1.93m, he is viewed as one of the most complete defenders in Austria; strong in duels, composed in distribution and excellent at reading the game. Transfermarkt currently values him at €7 million, though Wolfsberger are expected to demand considerably more given the calibre of interest.
Leeds’ pursuit is seen as ambitious, especially as the club initially prioritised attacking signings. However, with survival and long-term squad stability in mind, adding a commanding young centre-back has become increasingly important.
At PSG, Luis Enrique’s defensive options remain strong, yet concerns linger. Marquinhos is now over 30, while Lucas Beraldo continues to attract external interest, opening the door for long-term planning in defence. Nwaiwu fits the mould of a strategic, development-focused addition.
With enquiries flooding in from France, Germany and England, the winter window is shaping up to be a pivotal moment in the 22-year-old’s career. His rapid rise from Nigerian domestic football to the centre of a major European chase singles him out as one of the continent’s most-watched young defenders.