Nigeria’s Osayi-Samuel Falls Out of Favor with Mourinho as Fenerbahce Boss Targets Bayern Munich Player
Bright Osayi-Samuel’s time at Fenerbahce appears to be coming to an end, as the Nigerian right-back is expected to be removed from the club’s registered squad for the second half of the season. This decision follows his contract dispute with the club, with head coach José Mourinho reportedly endorsing the move, according to Turkiye Gazetesi.
Fenerbahce had hoped to secure Osayi-Samuel on a long-term deal, offering improved financial terms, but the 27-year-old rejected the extension. With his contract set to expire in June, he could leave on a free transfer, a situation the club has worked to avoid.
As negotiations stalled, Mourinho and Fenerbahce’s management acted swiftly. Turkish media reports indicate that the club is now actively seeking to offload Osayi-Samuel before the closure of the January transfer window.
Osayi-Samuel, for his part, is said to be holding out for a move to the Premier League, a long-held ambition since his breakthrough at Blackpool in 2015.
Meanwhile, Fenerbahce has identified a potential replacement in Bayern Munich’s Sacha Boey. The 24-year-old French right-back, who joined Bayern from Galatasaray for €30 million last summer, has struggled with injuries and has yet to secure a regular spot in the starting lineup.
Reports suggest Bayern Munich may be open to loaning Boey out, and Fenerbahce is preparing to approach the club with an official offer. This move is seen as a strategic one, not only strengthening Fenerbahce’s squad but also potentially undermining their fierce rivals, Galatasaray, who had been linked with Boey’s return to Turkey. Despite the Frenchman’s contract running until 2028, Fenerbahce is reportedly willing to pay a transfer fee if needed.
Osayi-Samuel’s time at Fenerbahce is now expected to conclude sooner rather than later. Since his arrival from Queens Park Rangers in January 2021 for just over €500,000, he has made 163 appearances, scoring seven goals and providing 14 assists. His performances have attracted interest from several Premier League clubs, including Crystal Palace and West Ham United.