Aston Villa, Crystal Palace, Everton, and Fulham are reportedly in the transfer tussle to sign 26-year-old Nigerian right-back Bright Osayi-Samuel from Fenerbahce.
According to a report by Graeme Bailey on TBR Football, Bright Osayi-Samuel could return to England after a fruitful spell in Turkiye with Fenerbahce. Aston Villa, Crystal Palace, Everton, and Fulham are vying for the signature of the 26-year-old wide player, with a cut-price move in the January transfer window on the cards.
Who is Bright Osayi-Samuel?
Bright Osayi-Samuel has enjoyed a solid career after several years in the lower divisions of English football. A native of Okija, the African wide player graduated from the youth division at Blackpool FC and represented the Lancashire outfit and Queens Park Rangers before moving abroad in January 2021.
After spending almost four years with Fenerbahce, a return to England might be on the cards for the 26-year-old. Osayi-Samuel has turned out nearly 150 times thus far for the Turkish giants while chipping in with seven goals and 14 assists. However, he has entered the final nine months of his contract, with the situation alerting Aston Villa, Crystal Palace, Everton, and Fulham.
A man in demand
Aston Villa can do with a new right-back, considering Unai Emery does not consider Matty Cash the undisputed first-choice option for the position. Ezri Konsa has played as a makeshift right-back several times, and Osayi-Samuel is a viable target. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace’s interest in the Nigerian international is understandable.
With Joel Ward on the wrong side of 30 and in the twilight of his career, Crystal Palace must sign a long-term replacement who can compete with Daniel Munoz. So, Bright Osayi-Samuel is an option worth considering for the South London club. As for Everton, the Merseyside outfit will look to sign a right-back next year.
Ashley Young and Seamus Coleman are on the wrong side of 30, while Nathan Patterson has had his fitness issues at Everton. Meanwhile, Fulham should invest in a solid right-back who can alternate with Kenny Tete on the right flank. So, Osayi-Samuel has emerged as a viable target for Fulham.
With the 26-year-old Nigerian international in the final nine months of his contract with Fenerbahce, a return to England is on the cards. The Turkish outfit might sanction a cut-price exit in January, with Aston Villa, Crystal Palace, Everton, and Fulham keen on signing him.
