Leeds United are preparing for the likelihood of being back in the Premier League next season and have reignited their interest in Fenerbahce attacker Bright Osayi-Samuel, according to reports.
The Whites are on a stellar run of form since the turn of the year and are still unbeaten in the Championship in 2024. Ipswich Town’s late defeat in the early kick-off on Saturday afternoon meant that Daniel Farke’s side remained in second place following a 2-0 win at Sheffield Wednesday the night before.
Furthermore, Leicester City’s dreadful form in recent weeks has let Leeds United back into the title race. The Yorkshire outfit are merely three points off the Foxes after the latter drew 2-2 away at Hull City at the weekend.
The side’s recruitment has been spectacular since Farke took the reins last summer. The likes of Ethan Ampadu, Joel Piroe, Glen Kamara, Ilia Gruev, and Joe Rodon have been standout performers for the club, while the trust the manager has put in academy product Archie Gray has led to profound rewards.
Nevertheless, the club are already looking ahead to the summer window to strengthen the squad. According to Turkish outlet Aksam, Leeds have identified Osayi-Samuel as a potential recruit once the transfer market opens, but face competition from top-flight outfits Wolverhampton Wanderers and Crystal Palace, as well as Ligue 1 side Rennes.
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However, speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Ben Jacobs has admitted that the former Queens Park Rangers man wants to play Premier League football, meaning Leeds would have to get promoted to entice the versatile winger to join the club.
“Leeds’ interest has been historical, so it’s no surprise if they return. The player, should he make a move, and England is somewhere that he would be prepared to entertain, would ideally be looking for Premier League football, from what I’m told anyway.
“So if Leeds are to reignite interest in a player that they’ve tracked before, then it would likely, given that there is other Premier League interest, be contingent on them getting promoted.”
The Nigeria international has played at all levels of English football, from his time with Blackpool and QPR, apart from the top tier which could be the next step. The 26-year-old still has just over 12 months remaining on his current deal and has a market value of £7.2 million, as per Transfermarkt.
Writer’s View
Osayi-Samuel has been locked in an intense title race at Fenerbahce with league champions and bitter rivals Galatasaray. The Nigerian has featured 28 times this season under Jorge Jesus, recording three goals and four assists, while also racking up a whopping nine yellow cards.
Perhaps what has piqued the interest of Leeds United the most is that Osayi-Samuel has primarily played as a fullback this season but throughout his career has proven his worth as a capable winger, wingback and at times, even a centre-forward, making him an ideal player for Farke’s fluid system.