Fulham 'interested' in transfer move for former QPR man who is out of contract next year

Fulham are ‘interested’ in a move for Fenerbahce wing-back Bright Osayi-Samuel this summer, according to a report by Turkish news outlet SporX. Fellow Premier League side Southampton are also said to be keen on the Super Lig man.

Osayi-Samuel, who is 26-years-old, is facing an uncertain future in this window and a return to England has been touted. He has been on the books at QPR in the past.

Fulham could see him as someone to bolster their ranks as they prepare for another year in the top flight under Marco Silva. They have been patient with their recruitment over recent times as they wait for the right players to become available.

The Nigeria international has 14 caps under his belt to date and started out at Blackpool. He rose up through the ranks at Bloomfield Road before going on to make 79 appearances for their first-team in all competitions, chipping in with five goals.

QPR snapped him up in 2017 and he became a key player for the Hoops. He made 115 outings for the R’s before heading over to Turkey.

Osayi-Samuel has played 126 matches for Fenerbahce and has found the net on six occasions, three of which came in the last campaign. His contract with the Istanbul-based team expires in next year so they risk losing him for free in June 2025 if they don’t cash in on him now or in January, assuming he doesn’t pen an extension anytime soon.

He admitted back in 2021 that he turned down Manchester United and Arsenal earlier in his career when he joined Blackpool: “Manchester United was following me when I was young but I chose Blackpool.

"I think the decision I made at that time was the most important decision in my life. When such an offer comes; When it comes to offers from teams like Manchester United and Arsenal, you want to go.

"When I met my Mum and Dad, we thought it would be difficult for me back then. I went to Blackpoool to improve myself and to advance my career. I always try to make the right decisions for myself."

He added: "There are no limits for me. I believe that if I work hard and improve my weak points, I can rise to the top and become one of the best wingers in the world."

Fulham have brought back Ryan Sessegnon and may have identified Osayi-Samuel as a possible option on the other flank of defence. Silva said back in May that he wants some signings through the door: “Two great seasons, but we cannot stand still. We have to move on, if you want to be more competitive, to be always better as a team.

“On and off the pitch, we have to do things different. We have to be more ambitious as well, in the market for example, to get the best deals we can for the club.”

The Whites’ first game of the new campaign is an away trip to Manchester United. They then host newly promoted Leicester City at home the weekend after.