Bright Osayi-Samuel is making waves in the football world, particularly among Premier League clubs, thanks to his outstanding performances since joining Fenerbahçe from Queens Park Rangers in 2020. The 26-year-old Super Eagles defender has made it clear that he’s eager to return to England whenever the opportunity arises. With his contract set to expire in the summer of 2025, he’s now in a position to negotiate a pre-contract with any interested clubs.

Recently, Osayi-Samuel rejected a new contract offer from Fenerbahçe, signaling his readiness to explore options back in the Premier League. His current deal with Fenerbahçe runs until 2025, which means he can begin talks with other clubs starting January 1. While the Turkish club has been trying to secure him on a new contract, the offers have yet to align, with reports indicating that the two sides are about €1 million apart.

A Turkish media outlet, Fanatik, revealed that Osayi-Samuel turned down an offer worth €2.5 million per year. If the negotiations don’t progress satisfactorily, he might well choose to leave when his contract expires next summer. Interest is reportedly brewing from several English teams, with Crystal Palace leading the charge, while Leeds United and Wolverhampton Wanderers are still in the preliminary stages of discussions.

Currently, Osayi-Samuel is sidelined due to a foot injury, having missed a key Europa League match against Manchester United. Since joining Fenerbahçe, he has played 145 matches, scoring seven goals and providing 14 assists. His performances have captured the attention of both fans and managers, including the new head coach, José Mourinho. Despite his success in Turkey, his dream remains to return to English football, especially with clubs like Southampton and Wolves monitoring his situation.

His origins trace back to Okija, Nigeria, before moving across Spain and eventually settling in England at the age of ten. Starting as a winger at Blackpool, he transitioned to a full-back role at Fenerbahçe, a change he has adapted to under various coaches, including the more recent tactical shifts initiated by Vítor Pereira. Reflecting on his evolution, Osayi-Samuel noted, “I’ve been an out-and-out winger. He wanted me to come back as a full-back when we didn’t have the ball… that’s how I started playing as a wing-back.”

With just a year left on his contract, Fenerbahçe is eager to negotiate a longer-term deal, possibly increasing his salary to strengthen their bargaining position should a transfer occur. As clubs in the Premier League circle, Osayi-Samuel finds himself in a pivotal moment in his career, caught between loyalty to Fenerbahçe and the allure of returning to the competitive landscape of English football.