Bright Osayi-Samuel’s proposed switch to Turkish giants Besiktas is on the verge of collapse after a late intervention from his father and representative derailed the deal.
The Nigerian international had reached an agreement in principle to join Besiktas on a free transfer from Fenerbahce, signing a three-year deal worth €1.9 million per season.
But just before the official signing was scheduled to take place in Istanbul, the deal took an unexpected turn.
According to a source from Triple S Sports, which represents Osayi-Samuel, his father insisted on renegotiating the contract to include a fourth year and a pay rise to €2.2 million per annum—a significant change from what had been agreed.
Bright Osayi-Samuel. Photo Credit: Getty Images
“The deal to Besiktas is almost off after Bright’s (Osayi-Samuel’s) father made a sudden turnaround with outrageous demands,” the source told Footy-Africa.
“The club president (Serdal Adalı) has suspended the move unless the original agreement is honoured. At the moment, the chances of the deal going through are very minimal.”
Besiktas president Adalı reportedly viewed the last-minute demands as unreasonable and pulled the plug on the deal, effectively freezing what had been a near-complete transfer.
READ MORE: Igoh Ogbu reveals why he Snubbed European Giants for Slavia Prague Stay
The club is now weighing whether to revisit the agreement or move on to other targets.
Osayi-Samuel is set to become a free agent within hours as his contract with Fenerbahce expires. A new deal with the Istanbul club is not expected, leaving the defender’s next destination uncertain.
Bright Osayi-Samuel. Photo Credit: Getty Images
The 26-year-old made 39 appearances for Fenerbahce across all competitions in the 2023/24 season, including the Turkish Super Lig, Europa League, and domestic cup.
Since arriving from Queens Park Rangers in 2021, he has played 178 games, scoring seven goals and providing seven assists.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW!
Interest in the right-back remains strong, with English Championship side Birmingham City now joining Crystal Palace and Fulham in tracking the player’s status.
A return to England could be on the cards if the Besiktas deal remains frozen.
Internationally, Osayi-Samuel has earned 23 caps for Nigeria since making his Super Eagles debut in 2022. His market value currently stands at €6.5 million.
