Birmingham City are reportedly in talks to sign Nigerian international, Bright Osayi-Samuel who is available as a free agent, with his contract at Fenerbahce set to expire tomorrow.
According to reports from Football Insider, the West Midlands club are looking to capitalise on the 27-year-old’s move to Besiktas falling through.
And with the Blues showing little intent of shying away in the transfer market, the full-back could be an astute piece of business as a free transfer, with the club looking to be immediately competitive in the Championship amid their recent League One triumph.
How did Osayi-Samuel get on last season?
Having joined the Turkish club from QPR in January 2021, the Nigerian has been a main feature in the club’s first team throughout his tenure.
Featuring for the club in both European competitions and league campaigns, the defender has been an impressive feature for the club over the years.
The former QPR man made 39 appearances under Jose Mourinho last season but failed to register a goal or assist for the club.
Reports from Football Insider have suggested that Fulham made a late move for Osayi-Samuel, in which the club was unwilling to let their full-back go despite entering the final months of his contract.
Additionally, the defender maintained his starting place in the Nigerian international team, playing the bulk of his nation’s minutes at right back across recent international breaks.
Osayi-Samuel to Birmingham City
Following their promotion from League One, Birmingham City are looking to be immediately competitive in the second tier, with Chris Davies’ immediate attentions on a push for Premier League football next season.
Despite boasting the young and impressive Ethan Laird at right-back, the club looking to upgrade their current squad with players that have already played at a top level.
This echoes through their other reported targets, with the club now eyeing a move for their former winger Demarai Gray, with Football Insider having reported a loan deal to be in place with Al Ettifaq.
Another top flight player linked with a move to the club is Tommy Doyle, who the club are in competition with fellow Championship side Sheffield United for.
Osayi-Samuel would deliver just that, with experience in European competition and in Turkey’s top flight.
Additionally, the wideman has shown to be a standout performer at Championship level in his QPR days.
Before his Fenerbahce move, he was a regular performer for the Rs, claiming club’s the Young Player of the Year award in 2020.
With the report declaring that Chris Davies wants a right-back with the experience to position the club for a consecutive promotion charge, Osayi-Samuel’s pedigree and availability on a free transfer would make perfect sense for Birmingham City this summer.