Super Eagles defender Bright Osayi-Samuel was a notable figure in the stands at Selhurst Park on Saturday evening as he watched Crystal Palace suffer a 5-1 defeat to Arsenal in the Premier League.
The 26-year-old’s appearance has fueled speculation about his future, with just six months remaining on his current contract with Fenerbahce.
Interestingly, Osayi-Samuel had been in action for his club less than 24 hours earlier, playing in Fenerbahce's 1-1 draw against Eyüpspor in the Turkish Super Lig.
The Turkish giants have entered their winter break, and their next game is scheduled for January 5, 2025.
Osayi-Samuel contract talks at a standstill
Osayi-Samuel’s contract situation remains unresolved, with the defender yet to commit to a new deal and free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with other clubs from January 2025.
Reports suggest the Super Eagles full-back is open to extending his stay in Turkey but demands an annual salary of €2.5 million.
Fenerbahce, however, are only prepared to offer €1.5 million, leaving both parties at an impasse.
While the Turkish giants are keen to resolve the situation, the delay has attracted interest from several clubs, including Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, Marseille, Everton, and Fulham.
Crystal Palace links for Super Eagles star
The South London club previously registered interest in the full-back 10 months ago, and the player’s connections to the squad add another layer of intrigue.
The former Queens Park Rangers player is close friends with Palace captain Marc Guéhi and playmaker Eberechi Eze, with whom he shared a dressing room at QPR.
His presence in the crowd on Saturday has naturally sparked speculation about a Premier League transfer.
With January fast approaching, the coming weeks will be decisive in determining whether Osayi-Samuel remains in Istanbul or makes a high-profile return to the Premier League.
