Exclusive: Birmingham City open talks to sign Fenerbahce’s Osayi-Samuel
Birmingham City are in talks to sign Bright Osayi-Samuel on a free transfer from Fenerbahce, sources have told Football Insider.
Besiktas were close to signing the Nigeria international, but the move fell through and Birmingham have moved to try and lure the right-back to St Andrew’s.
Birmingham see Osayi-Samuel as a key addition to their plans as they look to challenge from promotion to the Premier League next season.
The 27-year-old joined Fenerbahce from Queens Park Rangers in January 2021, but looks set to leave the Turkish club when his contract expires on 30 June.
Osayi-Samuel has been heavily linked with a return to England since his 2021 move, but nothing had materialised, and the Blues are now confident of tempting him back.
Birmingham close in on Bright Osayi-Samuel after Fulham twist
Football Insider exclusively revealed in February that Fulham had an offer for Osayi-Samuel rejected in the closing stages of the mid-season transfer window.
Fenerbahce were not willing to part ways with a first-team regular half-way through the season, but his availability on a free transfer has put a number of clubs on alert.
The Nigeria international made 39 appearances across all competitions last season as Jose Mourinho’s side missed out on the Turkish league title to Galatasaray.
Birmingham are planning to be ambitious in the transfer window and are prepared to beat rivals to Osayi-Samuel’s signature regardless of Premier League interest.
Chris Davies wants to add a new right-back to his squad with top-level experience to his squad to give them the best chance at immediate promotion.
Demarai Gray update emerges at St Andrew’s
Alongside their ambitions of signing Osayi-Samuel, Birmingham are pushing to strengthen in attacking areas amid interest in Demarai Gray.
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 27 June that Birmingham are close to re-signing Gray and are finalising a loan deal with Saudi outfit Al Ettifaq.
His wages have made a permanent transfer difficult for Davies’ side, but they are confident of completing a short-term deal for the coming season.
This comes after they missed out on signing Kwame Poku on a free transfer, as he joined QPR after Football Insider exclusively broke the news of his medical.
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