Fenerbahce head coach Jose Mourinho reportedly blocked Bright Osayi-Samuel's move to the Premier League last month.

The 27-year-old was linked with a move to Premier League outfit Fulham in the recently closed winter transfer window.

The Nigerian international had declined a contract extension, with his current deal set to expire at the end of the season.

This means cashing in on the player was the best option instead of allowing him to leave as a free agent in June.

Having left the player out of the registered list of players, Mourinho was compelled to reinstate the defender after the club failed to find his replacement.

Turkish journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu has disclosed that The Special One stopped the Super Eagles defender from leaving the club because he is the only available option for the club in the Europa League.

“If Osayi leaves, I will have no right-backs left in Europe. I am aiming for the final and the cup,” the former Chelsea and Real Madrid boss reportedly said in quotes.

Osayi-Samuel has made 25 appearances across all competitions for Fenerbahce this season, with one goal to his name.