Turkish side Trabzonspor are reported to have ended their interest in free agent Blues defender Axel Tuanzebe.

On Tuesday of last week, the Süper Lig side’s president Ertugrul Dogan confirmed his club’s interest in the 27-year-old, whose Town contract is up at the end of the month.

But two days later, it was reported that the DR Congo international’s injury record was a concern and that should the move progress, Trabzonspor would give him a more than usually rigorous medical.

Now, according to 61Saat, they have pulled out of the move, which they say was close to being finalised, with his fitness situation and the player’s apparent reluctance having been given time to make his his mind regarding the switch cited as the reasons behind their volte-face. Instead, they are said to have turned their attention to Estoril’s Wagner Pina.

The news will be greeted with relief by Town fans keen to keep Tuanzebe at Portman Road, the former Manchester United man having been a key player over the past two seasons, despite injury sidelining him for a fair chunk of 2024/25.

Tuanzebe made 20 Premier League starts and two sub appearances for the Blues having suffered a freak hand injury and hamstring issues over the course of the campaign.

Photo: TWTD

ArnieM added 16:07 - Jun 25 But going to Turkey is hardly going to remedy that problem, is it
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Blue_Heath added 16:12 - Jun 25 Not sure why Town fans are relieved? He clearly isn't going to sign a new contract.
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tetchris added 16:21 - Jun 25 Injury prone and accident prone! I’m sure MA and his team could find a decent replacement on loan or permanent transfer.
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runningout added 16:23 - Jun 25 Axel confused me.. seemed to do well in Prem although found Championship tougher. I believe our defence still requires some work - Sounds obvious I know
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ScottCandage added 17:25 - Jun 25 Volte-face? Did Boris Johnson write this?
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have_a_word_with_him added 18:51 - Jun 25 Don't blame him at all for exploring possible opportunities, it's a short career with no guarantee of the next contract and one injury can be the end of it, and then what next when all you've done is play football... Fantastic player and I'd love him to stay, don't agree at all with the "you aren't loyal if you even consider moving somewhere else" brigade. If he stays he'll give us his all, rest assured. Great character off the field from what I've heard said about him

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Linkboy13 added 19:29 - Jun 25 Running out Axel was much fitter in the Premier league when he joined us in the championship he had bearly played for two years due to his ongoing back injury.
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