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By: Ebenezer Bajela
English clubs Leeds United and Crystal Palace and other Bright Osayi-Samuel’s suitors have been dealt a major blow in their bid to sign the Fenerbahce star after he agreed to sign a new contract, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Palace and Leeds have long been linked with a move for the Nigeria international and recent reports from Turkey suggest that the latter tabled a £7m bid to sign the explosive right-back during next transfer window.
Fenerbahçe are, however, not interested in entering into negotiations for the Nigerian and have offered him a new contract.
“Fenerbahce deferred talks until the summer while they wait for the end of the season, with the player set to enter the final 12 months of his deal in Istanbul,” MOT Leeds News wrote.
“But after talks were held between the player, club and his representatives a new four-year deal has been agreed and the winger is set to stay – meaning Leeds United won’t be signing their man.”
The 26-year-old has spent the last three years in Turkish football with Fenerbahce – having a hand in 17 goals in 130 games.
The Super Eagles star is enjoying his best season yet, contributing three goals and four assists in 30 games for Fenerbahce while also reaching the final of the Africa Cup of Nations with Nigeria in Ivory Coast, where they narrowly lost to the hosts.
The Okija-born versatile player on Sunday made the headlines after he single handedly pummelled a masked pitch invader who tried to attack a female police officer and teammate Michi Batshuayi.
Meanwhile, impressed Fenerbahçe fans have produced a graffiti mural of Osayi-Samuel following the crazy scenes after the game vs Trabzonspor and the Nigerian’s passion for defending his team during the chaotic moments.
Fenerbahce’s fans, recognizing Osayi-Samuel’s bravery, rallied behind him as the team returned to Istanbul, as reported by Talk Sports.
Chants of his name echoed through the air, accompanied by gestures of admiration and support from the devoted supporters.
Osayi’s courageous act of facing an assaulter during the break-out fight has given him recognition amongst Fenerbahce’s fans.