Fenerbahçe SK defender Bright Osayi-Samuel is making transfer news headlines at the moment for being the source of a potential bidding war between two English clubs.
Osayi-Samuel was born in Okija, Anambra State, Nigeria but moved to England with his family as a toddler. There, he started his senior career with Blackpool before moving to Queens Park Rangers in the EFL Championship.
He has been with Turkish Super Lig side Fenerbahçe since 2021 and his performances have drawn interest from all over Europe. Reports indicate that a return to England is on the horizon for the Nigeria Super Eagles defender.
🚨AFC Bournemouth and Leeds United want to sign Fenerbahce's Nigerian right-back Bright Osayi-Samuel on loan with a permanent purchase option. 🍒 #AFCB 🟡 #LUFC
👉 They will approve the sale of Osayi-Samuel if they receive a suitable offer of around €10m.🇳🇬 🔵#FB https://t.co/hkrN7kuN65 pic.twitter.com/PyNXYRWl45
— Ekrem KONUR (@Ekremkonur) May 30, 2023
Leeds and Bournemouth to Lock Horns for Osayi-Samuel
The two English clubs involved are Leeds United and Bournemouth, who both played in the Premier League until May 2023. Leeds has been relegated to the EFL Championship for the 2023/24 season while Bournemouth lives to fight another season in the top flight.
As a relegated side, Leeds are exploring cheaper alternatives to their current squad to be able to bear the financial cost of the upcoming EFL Championship season. Goalball Live understands that the Lilywhites' Spanish fullback, Junior Firpo, is on his way out of the club as one of those who the club is looking to move on for financial reasons.
For Bournemouth, they are only looking to strengthen their team after a close shave with relegation in the just-concluded season.
𝗔𝗙𝗖𝗕 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗟𝗢𝗔𝗡 𝗱𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗢𝘀𝗮𝘆𝗶-𝗦𝗮𝗺𝘂𝗲𝗹 🍒🚨#afcb
AFCB are reportedly interested on a loan deal with a permanent purchase opportunity for right-back Osayi-Samuel from Fenerbahçe, alongside Leeds.
[1/2] pic.twitter.com/gl3rZRCEhQ
— Inside AFCB (@InsideAFCB) June 1, 2023
Osayi-Samuel is a player both teams have experienced, having come up against him while he played for Blackpool and QPR. His versatility, similar to that of Victor Moses when he played under Antonio Conte at Chelsea, is what both clubs are counting on as they prepare bids that they hope will entice the 25-year-old back to England, where his family is based.
Turkish sports media outlet Milliyet Skorer reports this, stating: “According to the news in the British press; Bournemouth and Leeds United want to sign the Nigerian star of the Yellow-Navy Blue team.
“In the news, it was stated that both clubs started negotiations with both the player and Fenerbahçe management.”
Osayi-Samuel to Cost Eight Figures, Reports Indicate
Milliyet Skorer also stated what Fenerbahçe intend to accept as bids for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 squad hopeful. “The yellow-dark blue management also determined the transfer fee of the 25-year-old star player,” the report states.
“The management will allow the transfer of Bright Osayi-Samuel if the transfer fee is around €10 million.”
The Turkish giants signed the versatile winger to a four-year deal in 2021 for an undisclosed fee which is believed to be under €10 million. They are now ready to move him on with two years left on his contract.
The 25-year-old has made no secret of his desire to return home and the Premier League is strongly appealing to most players in world football. However, Fenerbahçe could be playing in the UEFA European Conference League next season and this could also sway Osayi-Samuel's sentiments.
This article was most recently revised and updated 5 months ago
