Birmingham City has officially signed Nigerian international Bright Osayi-Samuel on a three-year contract, effective immediately after the end of his deal with Turkish club Fenerbahçe.
The versatile 27-year-old full-back becomes the Blues’ fourth significant signing this week as they strengthen their squad for their return to the Championship.
Osayi-Samuel joined St Andrew’s following a successful four-and-a-half-year tenure at Fenerbahçe, where he made 178 appearances for the team now managed by José Mourinho. He initially transferred to Istanbul in January 2021 from Queens Park Rangers.
Renowned for his versatility, Osayi-Samuel can effectively play across the right side, excelling as a right-back, wing-back, or even as a traditional winger.
His signing comes after the recent acquisitions of Demarai Gray, Tommy Doyle, and James Beadle, as Birmingham City prepares for their return to England’s second tier after winning the League One title last season.
On the international front, Osayi-Samuel has earned 22 caps for Nigeria since making his debut in 2022 and was part of the Super Eagles squad that finished as runners-up in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
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He began his professional career early, debuting for Blackpool at just 17 years old and playing a crucial role in their promotion from League Two via the play-offs in 2017.
He later made 103 Championship appearances during his time at Queens Park Rangers, in addition to six appearances in the second tier for Blackpool during the 2014-15 season.
Upon joining the Blues, Osayi-Samuel expressed his ambitions on the official Birmingham City website, stating, “I want to play in the Premier League and show everyone what I can do.
Coming to Birmingham City now is another step for me, an opportunity to show everyone where I’ve been for the last four years.”
His addition brings valuable experience and versatility to Birmingham City as they aim to make a significant impact in the Championship.