'I want to play in the PL' – Super Eagles star says after completing move to Birmingham City

Championship side Birmingham City have pulled off a major transfer coup with the signing of Nigeria international Bright Osayi-Samuel, who boasts 23 caps for the Super Eagles.

Through the club's official website, the Blues confirmed the capture of Osayi-Samuel on Friday morning.

Osayi-Samuel had been linked with potential moves to Besiktas, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Crystal Palace, but it is Birmingham City who have won the race for his signature.

Turkish giants Besiktas were widely seen as favourites to sign the versatile defender, but the deal fell through at the last minute due to wage demands.

The Blackpool academy graduate has signed a three-year deal with Birmingham City, until the end of the 2027-2028 season.

Speaking after the transfer was sealed, Osayi-Samuel explained why he chose to continue his career at Birmingham City.

"I think it’s the project. I spoke to the owner, I spoke to the manager, and it’s a project with ambitions about what they want to do," Osayi-Samuel stated. 

"Of course they did well last season getting promoted, and the ambition is not just to compete, but to get straight to the Premier League.

"Those are my ambitions too. I want to play in the Premier League and show everyone what I can do, and I think Birmingham City are giving me a platform to showcase that so I think those are the main reasons I decided to come here."

Osayi-Samuel has returned to English football four and a half years after leaving Queens Park Rangers for Fenerbahce. 

Birmingham City have signed a player with Championship experience, with the Nigerian making 109 appearances in the division during spells at QPR and Blackpool, in which he scored 11 goals and provided 12 assists.

Capable of operating as a full-back, wing-back or winger, Osayi-Samuel featured in the UEFA Champions League qualifiers, UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League during his time at Fenerbahce.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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