Saudi Pro League side Al-Taawoun have launched their pursuit of Nigerian midfielder Ibrahim Olawoyin after opening negotiations with Turkish club Çaykur Rizespor over a potential summer transfer, according to Footy-Africa.
Footy-Africa understands that the Saudi club have already made formal contact with Rizespor and submitted an initial offer of around €800,000 for the 28-year-old. However, the proposal falls short of the Turkish side’s reported €1 million asking price.
Sources close to the player told Footy-Africa that Al-Taawoun remain determined to complete the deal and are expected to return with an improved bid in an effort to reach an agreement.
Olawoyin has entered the final year of his contract with Rizespor, placing the Super Lig club in a difficult position as they weigh up the prospect of a sale against the risk of losing the midfielder for free next year.
Despite the growing interest from Saudi Arabia, Rizespor are keen to keep one of their most influential players. The club are preparing a contract extension offer and hope to persuade the Nigerian to continue his career in Turkey.
Al-Taawoun have also opened talks with Olawoyin’s representatives and are reportedly prepared to offer the midfielder a lucrative three-year contract with significantly improved financial terms.
The Nigeria international is now expected to assess both proposals before making a decision on his future, with discussions likely to accelerate in the coming days.
Olawoyin has become a key figure since arriving at Rizespor, consistently producing strong performances in the Turkish top flight.
He featured in 28 Süper Lig matches during the 2025-26 campaign, scoring once and registering three assists. His most productive season came in 2024-25, when he recorded six goals and seven assists in 32 league appearances, having also contributed three goals and three assists in 36 matches during the 2023-24 season.
With Al-Taawoun pushing to strengthen their squad and Rizespor determined to retain one of their standout performers, Olawoyin’s future is shaping up to be one of the transfer stories to watch before the summer window closes.
