Serbian giants Red Star Belgrade have officially confirmed the mutual termination of their contract with Super Eagles forward Peter Olayinka, bringing an end to his two-year spell in Belgrade.
The 29-year-old Nigerian joined Red Star from Czech Republic outfit Slavia Prague in 2023 and went on to score 14 goals in 46 league appearances for the Serbian champions.
In a statement released on the club’s official website on Thursday, Red Star said:
“Red Star Football Club informs the public that it has mutually terminated cooperation with Peter Olayinka with mutual understanding and appreciation.”
The club added that Olayinka had expressed his desire to pursue a new challenge in his career, while appreciating his professionalism and contribution during his time in Belgrade.
Peter Olayinka won a league double in his first season in Serbia. Photo Credit: Olayinka/X
“Crvena zvezda thanks Olayinka for everything he has done in the red and white jersey and wishes him success, health, and happiness in the future,” the statement concluded.
The Athletic NG gathered that the contract termination was a personal decision by the player, who is understood to be exploring opportunities for a new chapter in his career.
Olayinka endured a difficult 2024/25 season, having been sidelined for several months with an Achilles tendon injury sustained during Red Star’s UEFA Champions League clash with AS Monaco in October 2024. He underwent surgery a month later and began rehabilitation in February.
Since returning to fitness, the former Slavia Prague forward has made 10 appearances this season, scoring one league goal. He has featured in seven matchday squads, started two games, come on as a substitute twice, and stayed on the bench twice.
Olayinka has yet to complete a full 90 minutes in the league, with his longest outing lasting just 45 minutes, prompting talks that led to the mutual termination.
Frustration and limited game time
Olayinka’s time in Belgrade started with optimism but quickly turned frustrating.
Despite a promising record of 15 goals during his stay, the Nigerian found himself increasingly sidelined in recent months. His limited minutes and inability to cement a regular starting role appear to have influenced his decision to part ways with the club.
The move to Red Star, one of Eastern Europe’s most decorated clubs, who famously won the European Cup and Intercontinental Cup in 1991 did not yield the success both parties envisioned.
Olayinka is considered a legend at Czech Champions Slavia Prague and was denied a move back to Prague in January. Photo Credit: Slavia/X
The Serbian champions currently lead the SuperLiga, but heavy squad rotation and tactical reshuffles in continental competitions left Olayinka struggling for consistency.
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Internationally, Olayinka made his Nigeria debut as a late substitute in a 1–1 friendly draw against Brazil in Singapore in 2019. He has since earned four caps for the Super Eagles, though he remains on the fringes of the national team setup.
Olayinka enjoyed a prolific five-year spell at Slavia Prague, making 182 appearances, scoring 50 goals, and providing 26 assists, helping the club to seven trophies, including three Czech league titles.
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Olayinka is now a free agent and is expected to announce his next move in the coming weeks as he looks to revive his career after his injury-hit spell in Serbia.
