PSG, Leverkusen, and Leeds United join race for Chibuike Nwaiwu

The burgeoning European transfer market is witnessing rapid interest in Wolfsberger Athletik Club’s rising Nigerian defensive star, Chibuike Nwaiwu.

Just months after arriving in the Austrian Football Bundesliga, the 22-year-old centre-back is reportedly being tracked by several heavyweights across Europe’s top five leagues, signalling an imminent move.

Nwaiwu’s trajectory has been exceptionally sharp since his January 2024 switch from nine-time Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions Enyimba. The versatile defender wasted no time establishing himself as a foundational piece of the Wolfsberger AC backline, earning rave reviews for his composure, physicality, and ability to transition play forward. His debut season culminated in domestic silverware, helping Wolfsberger AC secure the Austrian Cup.

Continental Giants Mobilise: Nwaiwu

The defender’s performances this season, which include 11 appearances already in the 2024/25 campaign, have alerted recruitment teams across the continent. According to sources, interest is highly concentrated in three major European leagues:

Ligue 1 Contenders: French football giants Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and rivals Olympique Marseille are understood to be closely monitoring Nwaiwu. Given his age and robust defensive attributes, he is viewed as a high-potential target capable of providing valuable depth and future starting quality at the Parc des Princes or the Vélodrome.

Bundesliga and Premier League Watch: German club Bayer Leverkusen, the former Bundesliga champions, have also added the Nigerian to their watchlist. Furthermore, in England, newly-promoted Leeds United are reportedly tracking the centre-back. Nwaiwu’s versatility—being able to perform across the central defensive roles—makes him an attractive, cost-effective option for clubs seeking to strengthen their squad for the rigours of the English top flight.

Nwaiwu’s rapid adaptation to European football and his winning pedigree in the Austrian Cup underscore his market value as an emerging talent. With the Nigerian having quickly outgrown the Austrian Bundesliga, Wolfsberger AC is expected to face a significant challenge in retaining the highly coveted defender when the next transfer window opens.