Trabzonspor has initiated official contacts to sign 19-year-old Nigerian centre-back Akpe Victory Maduabuchukwu from Hungarian club Zalaegerszeg, which he joined in January 2026. The move is being pursued to strengthen the defence following a long-term injury to Batagov and uncertainty surrounding Savic's future. The player has been monitored by Trabzonspor's scout team for a long time, and it is reported that he is also attracting interest from Basel, Benfica, and Rangers. Last season for his club, Akpe Victory made 13 appearances, scored one goal, and provided one assist. He has a contract until June 2028 and a reported transfer value of 2 million euros.