Soccer
Crystal Palace have made an ambitious approach to sign Nigerian international Bright Osayi-Samuel on a free transfer this summer, offering the Fenerbahce full-back a lucrative four-year deal, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 26-year-old Super Eagles defender is set to become a free agent on July 1st when his current contract with the Turkish giants expires.
According to Motorcycle Sports, Palace have tabled a €4.5 million-per-year proposal to lure the right-back to Selhurst Park, a significant pay rise from his current €3 million annual salary at Fenerbahce.
Palace manager Oliver Glasner is understood to be driving the push to bring Osayi-Samuel back to England, with the Eagles aiming to reinforce their defensive options ahead of the new Premier League season.
Talks are still in the early stages, but negotiations are said to be progressing well, with the club quietly confident they can seal the deal.
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Super Eagles star Bright Osayi-Samuel tempted by big Premier League move as Crystal Palace lead transfer race
Osayi-Samuel has been a consistent performer for Fenerbahce since his move from QPR in 2021, impressing with his pace, energy, and attacking threat from deep. His form in Turkey has not gone unnoticed, attracting interest from several European clubs.
The Okija-born defender is no stranger to English football, having previously played for Blackpool and QPR before heading to the Süper Lig. Palace believe his Premier League readiness and international experience with Nigeria make him an ideal fit for Glasner’s system.
Osayi-Samuel has previously been linked with several English clubs including Wolves and Leeds United.
Now, Crystal Palace are hoping to succeed where others have faltered, and land the player without a transfer fee.
With the summer window fast approaching, the Eagles are poised to make Osayi-Samuel one of their marquee signings. But will their offer be enough to convince him to return to London?
Osayi-Samuel moved to Fenerbahce from Queens Park Rangers in January 2021, and has since made 172 appearances for the Istanbul club, recording seven goals and fifteen assists.
On the international stage, he was a member of the Super Eagles squad that finished second in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, where he played five matches.
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.
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