Besiktas have made Nigerian defender Bright Osayi-Samuel a central figure in their summer recruitment blueprint, setting aside a valuable foreign player slot specifically for the 27-year-old. The club is now waiting for his decision regarding a potential transfer, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.
Per Turkish outlet Haber Turk, the Black Eagles have formally presented an offer to Osayi-Samuel and are now in a waiting phase, anticipating his reply. The proposed contract reportedly includes an annual wage of around €2 million. Despite ongoing discussions, Besiktas have not raised their bid.
“Besiktas, who made an offer to Osayi-Samuel, have not yet received a definitive response from the Nigerian player. Depending on his decision, the situation of Jonas Svensson, who has suitors, will also become clear,” Haber Turk reported.
The club’s strategy for the right-back role hinges on Osayi-Samuel’s decision. If the Nigerian international accepts their offer, Besiktas are likely to greenlight the sale of their Norwegian full-back, Jonas Svensson.
According to the publication, Besiktas are cautious about occupying two foreign player slots for the same position, given league rules that limit such selections.
Interest in Svensson has already emerged from Turkish club Kayserispor and an unnamed Dutch team. With Onur Bulut’s recent exit from the squad, Besiktas are eager to make a smart choice to fill the right-back gap while remaining compliant with foreign player limits.
“If Osayi says yes, Besiktas, who do not want to use their two foreign quotas at right-back, will consider Jonas Svensson’s departure.
“Beşiktaş also parted ways with Onur Bulut in the right-back position, are keen on the departure of Svensson depending on the developments in Osayi,” Haber Turk stated.
As per updated Turkish Football Federation rules for the 2025–26 campaign, each team can register up to 14 foreign players. Of these, only 12 may be of any age, while the remaining two must be born on or after January 1, 2003. These limitations are forcing clubs to adopt a more targeted and efficient approach to foreign player recruitment, especially in defensive areas.
Osayi-Samuel, whose deal with Fenerbahce concludes this summer, is reportedly attracting attention from several clubs, including Crystal Palace and Galatasaray.
Turkish media claim that he is still considering a Premier League return. Crystal Palace have allegedly tabled a long-term offer worth €4 million per year, while Galatasaray are closely watching his next move.
Last season, the Super Eagles defender played in 25 league matches for Fenerbahce, starting 15 and logging over 1,300 minutes. Though he didn’t score or assist, his speed, solid defensive work, and knack for drawing fouls earned him praise and made him a dependable presence in the squad.
Osayi-Samuel’s final decision is anticipated shortly, with his contract due to expire in a matter of days. Besiktas are reportedly poised to act quickly once he communicates his choice.
