Turkish Super Lig club Fenerbahce are keen on retaining the services of Super Eagles defender Bright Osayi-Samuel for the upcoming season amid speculation linking the former Queens Park Rangers star with a return to England in the summer transfer window.
The 26-year-old former Blackpool academy product has been linked with a potential move to Wolverhampton Wanderers, while Crystal Palace and Leeds United have also shown interest in the Nigerian defender.
According to Turkish sports media Fanatik, Fenerbahce have initiated contract extension negotiations with Osayi-Samuel. The report added that the Nigeria international has requested a salary increase, and new Fenerbahce coach Jose Mourinho has expressed his desire for Osayi-Samuel to stay.
“Fenerbahce started contract extension negotiations with Osayi-Samuel. Samuel asked for an increase in his salary, and negotiations are continuing between the parties,” as quoted by Fanatik.
“Jose Mourinho also expressed his opinion in favour of Samuel staying.”
Osayi-Samuel, who currently earns a net annual salary of €1.8 million, is requesting a net annual salary of €2.5 million for the new contract.
Negotiations are ongoing, but no agreement has been reached yet. The parties are expected to reach an agreement in the coming days.
Signed from Queens Park Rangers in January 2021, Osayi-Samuel, a 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Silver medal-winning defender with Nigeria has a contract with Fenerbahce until the end of the 2024/2025 season, and the Istanbul giants intend to keep one of their best assets.
Mourinho has included Osayi-Samuel in his plans for the 2024/2025 campaign, considering him for the roles of right-back or wing-back. Osayi-Samuel scored four goals with six assists in 39 appearances across all competitions for the Yellow Canaries last season and is expected to be a key option in Mourinho’s lineup as a right-back or right-winger.
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