Austrian outfit Red Bull Salzburg are facing mounting pressure to hold on to Nigerian midfielder Samson Tijani, who is currently without a club after his contract expired at the close of the 2024/25 campaign, as per Footy-Africa.
The 23-year-old playmaker, who impressed during a recent loan spell at Norwegian side Fredrikstad FK, has emerged as a hot commodity in the transfer market, drawing attention from multiple European clubs as well as teams in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Footy-Africa understands that despite Salzburg’s intentions to keep Tijani at the club, a contract renewal looks increasingly unlikely. According to a source familiar with the negotiations, clubs from the Czech Republic are now among the frontrunners pursuing the talented midfielder.
“His deal with Salzburg has run its course, and he’s now evaluating fresh opportunities,” the source explained. “There are serious offers on the table, and a move to a new league seems very probable at this stage.”
Tijani rose through the ranks at Lagos-based Collins Edwin FC before earning a move to Salzburg after impressing for Nigeria at the 2019 U-17 World Cup. His early years in Europe included stints on loan at FDC Vista in Russia, Hartberg in the Austrian Bundesliga, and Liefering — Salzburg’s feeder team — as well as a spell with Wolfsberger AC.
A long-term injury temporarily slowed his progress, but his return to action in Norway late last season showed signs of his potential, making three senior appearances with Fredrikstad.
With his free agency status confirmed and several offers reportedly on the table, the coming weeks could determine the next destination in Tijani’s European journey — and whether his future lies away from Austrian football altogether.
