Ibrahim Olawoyin is increasingly likely to leave Rizespor at the end of the season as a free agent, with no agreement currently in place over a contract extension, Footy-Africa can exclusively report.
Footy-Africa understands that Rizespor still want to keep the Nigeria international and have continued to rely on him despite the uncertainty surrounding his future.
Olawoyin has featured in all five of Rizespor’s league matches so far this season, starting four and playing 307 minutes.
However, his contract situation is becoming increasingly important with the January transfer window approaching.
Rizespor raise Ibrahim Olawoyin asking price to €2.5m amid Al Fateh interest
Footy-Africa previously reported interest from Saudi Pro League clubs Al-Taawoun and Al Fateh, with Rizespor setting a €2.5m asking price for the midfielder. The two Saudi clubs have shown interest in Olawoyin, while Rizespor have so far managed to keep hold of their player.
Al-Taawoun made an offer of around €1.5m, which was rejected by Rizespor. The Turkish club also turned down interest from other Saudi sides as they sought to retain Olawoyin.
Rizespor’s €2.5m valuation remains the figure that would need to be met for the club to consider a sale.
But with Olawoyin’s contract situation unresolved, the January window could present Rizespor with a difficult decision.
If no agreement is reached on an extension, the midfielder will have only six months remaining on his contract by January. That could force Rizespor to consider selling him in the winter window rather than risk losing him for nothing at the end of the season.
The alternative for Rizespor would be to keep Olawoyin until the end of the campaign and potentially watch him leave as a free agent.
Al Fateh join race for Nigerian midfielder Ibrahim Olawoyin, Saudi interest intensifies
For now, the club continue to want the 28-year-old and are still playing him regularly, but his future remains uncertain.
With interest from Al-Taawoun and Al Fateh and Rizespor’s €2.5m valuation already established, the coming months could prove decisive in determining whether Olawoyin stays in Turkey or moves to Saudi Arabia.
Footy-Africa will continue to provide exclusive updates on Olawoyin’s future.
