Fenerbahçe are preparing to submit a revised contract proposal in an effort to retain Nigerian international Bright Osayi-Samuel, whose current deal is set to expire at the end of the season.
The 27-year-old full-back, now in his fifth season with the Istanbul giants, has seen his role fluctuate throughout the campaign.
After initially falling out of favour following a tactical shift to a 3-4-1-2 formation, Osayi-Samuel has since re-established his value to the team, notably with a standout display against Trabzonspor that reminded the club of his importance on the pitch.
Despite being sidelined earlier in the season, the former Queens Park Rangers defender has made 32 appearances this term, underlining his continued relevance to the squad.
Fenerbahçe’s hierarchy now see him as a player worth investing in, particularly as they seek to maintain depth and versatility across the defensive line.
According to Turkish outlet Milliyet, earlier contract discussions failed to produce a breakthrough. Osayi-Samuel reportedly viewed the initial financial terms as unsatisfactory, prompting negotiations to stall.
However, the tone of the talks has shifted in recent weeks. The Nigerian defender is now reportedly open to extending his stay in Istanbul, provided that the revised offer better reflects his contributions and experience.
Fenerbahçe president Ali Koç is believed to be taking a personal interest in the matter and is willing to make financial concessions to ensure the player remains at the club.
Sources indicate that a new meeting between Osayi-Samuel’s representatives and club officials is expected soon as both sides work towards a resolution.
Osayi-Samuel’s adaptability has long been viewed as a strength by Fenerbahçe’s coaching staff.
Whether deployed as a traditional full-back, wing-back, or even further forward, his athleticism and work rate have made him a fan favourite at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium.
Having joined the club in January 2021, Osayi-Samuel quickly cemented his place in the side and became known for his direct play and energy down the right flank.
While injuries and tactical tweaks have occasionally impacted his consistency, his overall impact has been clear, and the club now appear eager to avoid losing him on a free transfer this summer.
The ongoing negotiations come at a crucial juncture in the season, as Fenerbahçe remain locked in a tight domestic title race and continue to compete on multiple fronts. Securing the future of experienced squad members such as Osayi-Samuel is seen as essential to maintaining stability heading into the next campaign.
Should the new offer meet his expectations, Osayi-Samuel looks set to continue his journey with the yellow and navy, offering Fenerbahçe both defensive solidity and a wealth of experience on the right-hand side.
For now, the player remains focused on the pitch, while the club works behind the scenes to secure his signature for the seasons ahead.
