It’s a big summer for Birmingham City, and Chris Davies is working quickly to get his squad Championship-ready.
Blues have been informed of Lewis O’Brien’s asking price by Nottingham Forest, while Jay Stansfield wants the club to break their transfer record before the window slams shut on 1 September.
Birmingham face Ipswich Town in the opening game of the new Championship season and it is vital that their starting XI is fine-tuned ahead of that clash following a record-breaking League One campaign in 2024/25.
Bringing in more cover in defence will be the difference between a good and great season for Blues, and to help with that, Davies is closing in on a new right-back who has previous Championship experience.
Birmingham City close in on deal for Bright Osayi-Samuel
Finding more depth at full-back is a huge challenge for Birmingham this summer, but according to Pete O’Rourke, the West Midlands outfit may have just found the perfect player to fill in on the right flank.
Bright Osayi-Samuel of Fenerbahce runs with the ball during the UEFA Champions League Third Qualifying Round match between Fenerbahce and Lille FC
Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images
Bright Osayi-Samuel is set to leave Turkish giants Fenerbahce in the next couple of days at the end of his contract, and Besiktas have been pushing for a move for the former QPR man. However, talks have stalled and Blues have now made their move.
Leeds United showed an interest in the Nigeria international back in January, as per Africa Foot, although a deal never came to fruition and a move back to England now looks as though it will come involving Birmingham.
Bright Osayi-Samuel can add plenty of experience to Blues’ team
At 27, Osayi-Samuel is just entering his prime and having a player of his quality as well as with his experience would be a huge coup for Davies.
The wing-back was sensational for QPR in the 2019/20 campaign, scoring five goals and registering nine assists in 37 Championship games. This remains his very best season statistically, and Birmingham will be hoping that they get that version of the player.
Blues are extremely ambitious and they will be keen to get this signing over the line sooner rather than later as they get prepared for the first of their pre-season friendlies.