Bright Osayi-Samuel, a former winger for Queens Park Rangers, has been linked to a Championship comeback. Because of reports that José Mourinho wants to let go of the 26-year-old, Norwich City has entered the running to bring the attacker back to England from Fenerbahçe.
Osayi-Samuel signed a pre-contract with the European powerhouses and left for Turkey in January 2021, following four exciting seasons with the Loftus Road team from 2017 to 2021. Even though his pre-contract wasn’t supposed to begin until July, the attacker unexpectedly left QPR a week later.
Since leaving England, the versatile player has been an integral part of Nigeria’s AFCON runners-up squad in 2023. Since his international debut in 2022, the former Championship star has earned 18 caps for his country. Osayi-Samuel, who joined QPR from Blackpool in 2017, has scored numerous goals and played important roles for the club. It will be heartbreaking for QPR fans to watch the former Superhoops star return to the Championship if he signs with Norwich.
QPR made a wise decision by signing Osayi-Samuel.
The Nigerian needed some time to establish himself, but he hit his stride during his third season at Blackpool. His first two seasons with the Tangerines were unremarkable, as he scored no goals. However, after Blackpool suffered two consecutive relegations, Osayi-Samuel was given a chance in League Two.
The forward had finally made his breakthrough, having played 33 games, scored four goals, and assisted three others. After defeating Exeter City at Wembley Stadium, the Seasiders were able to return to League One at their first attempt. His contributions to the promotion were not overlooked by clubs higher up the league. QPR would be the ones to sign the winger after his impressive form continued in the third tier.
Osayi-Samuel had to wait his turn at his new club, just as he had at Bloomfield Road. Following a lack of appearances in his first season, the Nigerian capitalised on his opportunities to establish himself in the QPR first team. As previously stated, Osayi-Samuel’s stunning performances for the R’s have prompted Premier League clubs to take note of him throughout the 2019/20 season. He was apparently poised to join Club Brugge in the summer, which could have netted the London club over £5 million.
Unfortunately, this would not be the case, as he would leave for an estimated amount that was less than 10% of the fee rumoured by Brugge. QPR managed to keep their star player until January, but he signed a pre-contract with Fenerbahçe to leave Loftus Road in January 2021. Despite the fact that this agreement would not take effect until July of the same year, he left England only a week later for Turkey.
Although QPR did not receive the desired sale price, Osayi-Samuel is widely regarded as one of the club’s best buys. While they did not receive the fee they deserved, the R’s more than made up for it with their performances on the pitch.
Osayi-Samuel has potential suitors back in England
| Bright Osayi-Samuel – 2024/25 (TransferMarkt) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apps | Goals | Assists | Minutes (%) | Starting eleven (%) |
| 2 | 0 | 1 | ||
With the José Mourinho era at Fenerbahçe begun, it appears like Osayi-Samuel’s playing time may be reduced this season as he enters the final year of his contract. This has piqued the interest of many teams, not just in England, but around Europe.
The former Blackpool player is flexible, able to play as a wing-back or right-winger. This essential trait has put him on many shopping lists, since Osayi-Samuel is the ideal wing-back for any club that uses that style. The Nigerian has extensive expertise in Turkish top-flight football, having played for a massive club such as Fenerbahçe. He has made numerous appearances on the European stage, not to mention his country’s run to the 2023 African Cup of Nations final.
Still only 26, it’s easy to see why the ex-QPR star is being watched by numerous clubs across Europe. Getting him on a free transfer or at a discount would be a deal too good to pass up if suitors consider it an affordable and productive move.
Norwich and RC Lens were expected to compete for the Fenerbahçe player’s signing. The Turkish club apparently does not want to pay more than €2 million to prolong the 26-year-old’s deal. However, Osayi-Samuel is keen on signing a new four-year contract with his current club; it appears that the wage is the greatest issue. This could compel Fenerbahçe to sell him for a low price in January or let him leave for free in the summer.
With Crystal Palace allegedly keeping an eye on the issue, the European heavyweights have plenty of possibilities if they need to sell during the winter window.
Seeing Osayi-Samuel return to the Championship will be heartbreaking for QPR fans.
It’s been a long time since we’ve seen Osayi-Samuel in English football. He left the Championship about four years ago to pursue his career abroad. While he has been a very steady player for Fenerbahçe, returning to the English second division will undoubtedly be disappointing for the 26-year-old.
Osayi-Samuel, who is currently playing for one of the finest and most successful managers in the modern game, is enjoying his time in Turkey, according to Fanatik’s report. However, the winger’s contract predicament is causing him serious problems, since he wants to sign a new contract with his current team. According to the research, money is the primary impediment to progress in negotiations.
Osayi-Samuel does not appear to be part of Mourinho’s long-term ambitions for Fener, as he hopes to start a successful period at the club. The former QPR player is expected to be sold soon to make place and raise finances for the Special One’s squad. If the 26-year-old joined Norwich, many QPR fans would be disappointed.
While they will be relieved to see him return to England after departing four years ago to better his career, having him return to the same league in which he departed the club will undoubtedly dampen his comeback.
No R’s fan would have faulted the winger for wanting to advance his career, but seeing how little progress has been made since he left Loftus Road will be a bittersweet feeling, which will only be exacerbated if he joins a divisional rival in Norwich and thrives in a division where he has previously excelled.
Leave a Reply