Fenerbahce are keen to secure the future of Super Eagles defender Bright Osayi-Samuel, offering the 26-year-old a contract extension that would keep him at the club beyond 2025.
The Turkish giants want to retain Osayi-Samuel as an important part of their squad as his current contract is set to expire next year.
According to Turkish media reports, negotiations are already underway to extend his stay in Istanbul.
Under the leadership of José Mourinho, who took over as Fenerbahce’s manager, Osayi-Samuel has become even more critical to the club’s plans.
New coach of Turkish club Fenerbahce Jose Mourinho. (Photo by YASIN AKGUL/AFP via Getty Images)
Mourinho is eager to build a competitive team capable of reclaiming the Turkish Super Lig title from rivals Galatasaray and returning the team to its old glory.
The Portuguese manager sees Osayi-Samuel as a player who can provide the defensive stability needed to achieve this goal.
Osayi-Samuel joined Fenerbahce from English Championship side Queens Park Rangers in 2020.
He was brought in as a right winger but has since transitioned into a right-back role.
Osayi-Samuel has recently been sidelined due to ankle injury. He has already made five appearances this season, contributing one assist before being forced out.
However, there is hope that he will be available for Fenerbahce’s upcoming Europa League clash against Union SG.
The injury also meant Osayi-Samuel missed out on Nigeria’s recent Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, where the Super Eagles secured a 3-0 win over Benin and a goalless draw against Rwanda.
The fullback aims to return to full fitness ahead of Nigeria’s double-header against Libya in October.
Wins in those matches could guarantee the Super Eagles a place in the 2025 AFCON tournament in Morocco.
