Bright Osayi-Samuel to leave Birmingham City? Fenerbahce transfer reunion stance emerges | OneFootball

Bright Osayi-Samuel's Birmingham City future has become the subject of transfer speculation

Birmingham City are aiming to compete for promotion next season after coming 10th upon their return to the Championship.

Chris Davies oversaw the Blues’ promotion from League One in 2025, and the club went straight into the top half of the table in their first year back.

However, they were still nine points short of the play-offs despite heavy investment in the first team squad from owners Knighthead Capital.

The Midlands outfit can now aim for a top eight finish in 2026/27, with the play-offs expanding to include two more teams from next season.

But, before the campaign even gets underway, Davies will want to bring in fresh faces to bolster his squad and boost the team’s chances of fighting for promotion.

Birmingham have until September 1 to conclude their transfer business, with exits from St. Andrew’s also on the cards.

Bright Osayi-Samuel’s Birmingham future

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It has been reported by Turkish outlet Sozcu that Bright Osayi-Samuel is closing in on a sensational return to Fenerbahçe just one year after leaving the club.

It’s believed that the player is pushing for a return to the Süper Lig side from Birmingham after only signing for the Blues last year.

The defender made the move back to English football after departing Fenerbahçe with the end of his contract.

Osayi-Samuel joined Birmingham as a free agent, and he went on to make 27 appearances in the Championship, including 19 starts, contributing one assist.

However, it’s understood that he has contacted Ismail Kartal to seek a move back to the club, as he wants to work under the 65-year-old again.

The head coach was in charge of Fenerbahçe in 2022 and 2023/24 when Osayi-Samuel previously was a key part of the first team.

How Birmingham City fans have responded to Bright Osayi-Samuel transfer news

Birmingham fans are concerned about Osayi-Samuel potentially wanting to return to Fenerbahçe for nothing, urging Birmingham to hold firm on at least receiving a fee for his exit.

Some supporters have told the defender that if he wants to go, then he can buy out his contract instead, suggesting the Blues should not just give him away.

A transfer fee of €6 (£5.1) million has even been suggested as a possible asking price.

But ultimately, many supporters would be okay with his departure after an underwhelming campaign of performances.

Bright Osayi-Samuel exit would make sense for all parties at Birmingham City

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Osayi-Samuel is clearly pushing for this move, and it’s evident he wants to work under Kartal again after enjoying his previous stint in charge of Fenerbahçe.

Birmingham should not stand in his way of a return to Turkey, if the right offer comes in, as he is someone they could improve upon in the squad.

However, if Fenerbahçe are not willing to pay a transfer fee for the player, then there’s not much the Championship side can really do.

If worst came to worst, Osayi-Samuel is still someone who can take up a squad role next season, so there is no need to rush into giving him away for nothing either.