Birmingham City have completed the signing of Nigerian international Bright Osayi-Samuel on a three-year deal, bringing the versatile full-back back to English football following a four-year spell at Fenerbahçe, Footynaija.com reports.
The 27-year-old, who is comfortable as a right-back, wing-back, or winger, becomes the Blues’ fourth signing in a busy week, joining Demarai Gray, Tommy Doyle, and goalkeeper James Beadle. The Championship side is rebuilding with intent after clinching the League One title last season.
Osayi-Samuel made 178 appearances for Fenerbahçe and was part of the Nigeria squad that finished as runners-up at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
He previously made his mark at Queens Park Rangers, where he featured in 103 Championship matches after an earlier promotion-winning stint with Blackpool.
Speaking to Birmingham’s club website, he said: “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 return to England comes after a reported transfer collapse in Turkey.
Osayi-Samuel had been on the verge of joining rivals Beşiktaş on a lucrative three-year contract, but the deal allegedly fell apart due to an unexpected financial demand made by his father.
“My father called without telling me and cancelled the transfer, I have no idea what happened. Let’s talk again,” Osayi-Samuel reportedly told Beşiktaş officials, according to Turkish journalist Fatih Doğan via Sporx.
However, club president Serdal Adalı is believed to have rejected the plea and moved on.
Now, with his Turkish chapter firmly closed, Osayi-Samuel is set for a new challenge at St Andrew’s — with a burning desire to earn a Premier League return through Birmingham’s rise.