West Ham United

West Ham United

Premier League • England

West Ham among three Prem clubs tracking Osayi-Samuel after eye-catching role change

Bright Osayi-Samuel during a Fenerbahce game

Bright Osayi-Samuel could return to English football after the Fenerbahce wide man became of interest to three Premier League clubs, per a report.

Osayi-Samuel has been with Fenerbahce for 18 months after leaving the Championship behind. He had previously played for Queens Park Rangers between 2017 and 2021. Prior to that, he developed further down the EFL with Blackpool.

Since moving abroad, Osayi-Samuel has developed his game in the Turkish top-flight. Originally a winger, he has adapted his role to become a wing-back.

He has been heavily trusted by Fenerbahce this season, registering 42 appearances. From those, he has provided two goals and five assists.

His club have practically secured their place in the Champions League qualifiers. But it is now emerging that clubs could try to tempt him back to English football.

According to Football Insider, the Nigerian-born ace is on the radar of West Ham United, Southampton and Brentford.

TEAMtalk knew as far back as December 2020 that West Ham were aware of Osayi-Samuel. It appears he remains on their list of options; although after missing out before, they now face further competition.

All three of his present suitors have been attracted by his pace and versatility. Those are attributes that could help him succeed in the Premier League.

If he was to choose West Ham, he would likely have European football on offer. They are currently seventh in the table, which would get them into the Conference League, but have a chance of catching Manchester United in sixth for a Europa League place.

For Southampton and Brentford, the projects are different. They are both in the bottom half but will be in the Premier League again next season. There could be interesting things to build at both clubs.

Where would be best fit for Osayi-Samuel?

It remains unclear for now what Osayi-Samuel’s primary role would be at any of his suitors. If he was to continue as a right-back, he would provide competition for the more defensive Vladimir Coufal at West Ham.

Over at Southampton, the presence of Tino Livramento, Kyle Walker-Peters and Yan Valery means they have plenty of options in that department. Perhaps he may be best off playing further forward if he was to move there.

As for Brentford, finding a right-back has been a priority issue for a few months. They wanted to take one in January but failed to do so and will aim to amend it in the summer.

Perhaps that would be Osayi-Samuel’s best option for regular gametime. Although, it must be acknowledged that they are the least established top-flight club he could join.

After playing in the Europa League and Conference League for Fenerbahce, more continental involvement may appeal to the 24-year-old. Therefore, West Ham’s interest will remain something strong to consider.

READ MOREWest Ham battling with European giants to sign Lille star Jonathan David this summer