Peter Olayinka’s transfer saga: Nigeria star returns to Red Star Belgrade training after blocked Slavia Prague move

Nigerian forward Peter Olayinka has rejoined training with Red Star Belgrade after a tumultuous summer, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Nigerian forward appeared set to return to Slavia Prague, with both clubs agreeing on a transfer. Olayinka, 28, had already envisioned himself donning the familiar “stitched” jersey once more.

However, Crvená Zvezda fans opposed the move, prompting the Serbian club’s management to cancel the transfer. Consequently, Olayinka is set to remain in Serbia for another season.

“Olayinka is training again with the first team of Crvená Zvezda and will compete with FK Novi Pazar for a place in the lineup,” reported Serbian portal Mozzart Sport.

Olajinka ponovo trenira sa prvotimcima Crvene zvezde i konkurisaće za mesto u timu protiv Novog Pazara#fkcz pic.twitter.com/lWeEAD45Hp

— Mozzart Sport (@MozzartSport) August 4, 2024

Following several discussions, Olayinka has reconciled with the club and is once again striving for a spot in the team.

Olayinka’s anticipated return to Slavia Prague has been a significant point of discussion.

Reports suggested that the transfer fell through due to Red Star Belgrade’s abrupt decision to retract their agreement.

Olayinka left Slavia Prague for Red Star Belgrade last summer after a successful five-year stint in the Czech Republic, where he scored 50 goals and provided 26 assists in 183 appearances.

In Serbia, he continued to shine, netting 12 goals and assisting four times in 43 games, contributing to Red Star Belgrade's league and cup victories.

Despite his success, news surfaced two weeks ago about Olayinka’s eagerness to return to Slavia Prague, with an agreement seemingly in place. However, the transfer talks stalled, and nothing substantial materialized.

Earlier this week, Slavia Prague president Jaroslav Tvrdík provided an update on the situation, stating that while an agreement had been reached, Red Star Belgrade unexpectedly raised their fee demands, halting the transfer.

“In my nine years of working in football, I have not experienced a situation where the selling club officially confirmed the acceptance of the offer and later withdrew from this step,” Tvrdík said

“It’s not done. Considering the position of the parties involved in the negotiations, as well as the shift in time, we are no longer pursuing this transfer.”

As it stands, Olayinka will remain with Red Star Belgrade, unless significant changes occur.