Footy-Africa can exclusively report that Turkish Super Lig side Rizespor is not giving up on keeping star midfielder Ibrahim Olawoyin with the player in the final year of his contract.
Footy-Africa gathered that Çaykur Rizespor are making efforts efforts to secure Ibrahim Olawoyin’s future, with the club president proposing a fresh contract offer to the Nigerian midfielder amid growing uncertainty over his long-term future.
Talks over a renewal have failed to yield a positive results before the summer transfer window closed, meaning an agreement has yet to be reached, leaving Olawoyin facing the final year of his current contract.
Sources close to the situation indicate that Rizespor’s president is prepared to risk losing the midfielder on a free transfer rather than sanction a January sale, believing the 28-year-old can still play a significant role in the club’s pursuit of success before his contract expires.
Saudi interest fails to produce transfer
Source told Footy-Africa that Olawoyin attracted interest from Saudi Arabian sides Al Fateh and Al Taawoun during the transfer window, and both clubs put a strong bid but neither move materialised after Rizespor demanded €2.5 million for the midfielder.
The Turkish club’s valuation proved a major obstacle to negotiations, frustrating the interested parties and ultimately keeping the Nigerian international at the club.
With Rizespor reluctant to lower their asking price and now seemingly unwilling to entertain a January departure, the prospect of Olawoyin remaining in Turkey until the end of the season appears increasingly likely.
However, the midfielder’s contract situation means Rizespor could face the risk of losing him without receiving a transfer fee if fresh terms cannot be agreed.
Ibrahim Olawoyin faces Rizespor decision as January window approaches
Olawoyin underlines his importance
While uncertainty continues over his future, Olawoyin has continued to demonstrate his value to Rizespor on the pitch.
The midfielder scored twice and provided an assist in the club’s 3-0 friendly victory over Boluspor, delivering an impressive performance that underlined his attacking contribution and importance to the squad.
His consistent involvement this season has further strengthened the argument for Rizespor to retain him, with the midfielder featuring in all but one of the club’s matches.
Rizespor will return to Turkish Super Lig action against Fenerbahçe next weekend, with Olawoyin expected to be involved as the club resumes its league campaign.
For now, Rizespor face a delicate decision: convince one of their important players to sign a new contract or risk losing him for nothing when his current deal expires.
With the Rizespor pushing for a renewal and a January sale appearing unlikely, the coming weeks could prove crucial in determining Olawoyin’s future.
