Nigeria’s Osayi-Samuel clears air on Fenerbahce future amid Crystal Palace, Wolves interest

Nigeria international Bright Osayi-Samuel has dismissed reports claiming he rejected contract extension offers from Fenerbahçe, insisting his full focus remains on helping the club win the Turkish Super Lig title, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 27-year-old defender is entering the final months of his contract with the Istanbul giants and is widely expected to become a free agent in the summer.

With the club keen to tie him down to a new deal, ongoing talks have so far failed to produce a breakthrough, sparking speculation that Osayi-Samuel is stalling in order to secure a move to the Premier League.

English sides Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest, and Wolverhampton Wanderers have long been linked with the former Queens Park Rangers man, with reports suggesting he could make a free transfer switch to England at the end of the season.

Doing what I love https://t.co/TKFIE9JWZ7

— Bright Osayi-Samuel (@Bright_097) April 8, 2025

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What did Osayi-Samuel say?

However, the versatile fullback has now moved to clarify the situation, denying claims that he turned down a contract offer and reaffirming his commitment to Fenerbahçe.

“It is actually difficult to comment on the transfer,” Osayi-Samuel told Turkish outlet Aspor.

“Many people act as if they know the subject. I play for Fenerbahçe and I am very happy about it. People say different things. It was said that a contract was signed and that I did not accept it, but there is no such situation. I have a very good dialogue with the president.

“My only thought at the moment is the championship. We will meet with our president after the season is over and see what happens.”

Having returned to the starting line-up on Sunday, Osayi-Samuel played a key role in Fenerbahçe’s 3-1 away victory at Sivasspor — an important result that kept José Mourinho’s side within three points of league leaders Galatasaray with just seven matches left to play.

The Super Eagles star believes Fenerbahçe are capable of snatching the title from their bitter rivals if they maintain a perfect run-in.

“We need to focus on ourselves,” he added.

“We have 7 important matches. I think we will be champions if we win all the matches. A valuable 3 points to continue on our way steadily. Every match we play is a final. Now we will focus on the next match.”

Osayi-Samuel joined Fenerbahçe from QPR in January 2021 for a fee of around €500,000. The Nigerian made 103 league appearances for the English Championship side, scoring 11 goals and providing 10 assists.

Initially deployed as a winger, he has successfully reinvented himself as a modern fullback during his time in Turkey. His current market value is estimated at around €7 million, a clear indication of the impressive development he has undergone in Istanbul.