Done deal? Besiktas win race for Super Eagles star in big blow for Crystal Palace, Leeds United
Besiktas have secured the signing of Super Eagles defender Bright Osayi-Samuel on a free transfer from Fenerbahce, fending off strong interest from several Premier League clubs, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 27-year-old defender, who can also operate further forward on the wing, has agreed personal terms with the Black Eagles, according to transfer market insider Ekrem Konur.
Osayi-Samuel will officially join the Istanbul giants upon completion of his medical in the coming days. His contract with Fenerbahce expired this summer.
Bright Osayi-Samuel during the Men’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations AFCON qualifier match between Nigeria Super Eagles and Rwanda [Photo credit/Imago]
Osayi-Samuel had attracted offers from Crystal Palace, Leeds United, Nottingham Forest and Southampton, while Turkish champions Galatasaray were also monitoring his situation.
However, the player opted to remain in the Super Lig after being offered a lucrative package by Besiktas, reportedly worth ā¬2.5 million per year with an additional ā¬1 million sign-on bonus.
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A regular presence for Fenerbahce last season, Osayi-Samuel featured in 25 Super Lig matches, starting 15, and played over 1,300 minutes.
Nigeria and Fenerbahce star Bright Osayi-Samuel. Photo by IMAGO
While he did not register any goals or assists, he was widely praised for his consistency, blistering pace, and defensive discipline. His ability to draw fouls and win penalties also stood out.
Besiktas, managed by former Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, are keen to reinforce their squad and have prioritised Osayi-Samuel by reserving a valuable foreign-player slot for him. The move represents a strategic piece of business for the Black Eagles, who are aiming to rebuild after a disappointing domestic campaign.
The Nigerian becomes Besiktas’s first major signing of the summer window.
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele turns into a ball of passion when writing about Nigerian football and its talents, whether rising stars or established legends, locally and abroad.
From the deepest corners of the Middle East, to the green fields of the Americas, to the celebrated grounds in Europe, and the rich soils of Africa, Imhons is more than glad, usually with a glass of a tasty drink nearby, to capture the essence of the game, by connecting the dots between culture, identity, and football.
