Fenerbahce appear to be edging closer to a reunion with Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the Super Eagles right-back having opened direct talks with head coach Ismail Kartal about a return to Istanbul.
The 28-year-old is understood to be actively pushing for an exit from Birmingham City after a difficult debut season in the Championship.
Osayi-Samuel has held discussions with Kartal, the manager who oversaw some of his best form during his first Fenerbahce spell, as the defender explores a route back to the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium. He is said to be hoping for a free transfer despite still having two years remaining on his Birmingham contract, a stance that would require the Championship club to agree to let him go without receiving a fee.
Fenerbahce have been busy in the market this summer, having already appointed Kartal as successor to previous coach Zeki Murat Gole and completed the signing of striker Vedat Muriqi from Mallorca. Osayi-Samuel’s camp is understood to have sent word through intermediaries as talks with the club’s hierarchy continue.
A key factor shaping the timeline is the position of Nelson Semedo, Fenerbahce’s current first-choice right-back. The Portuguese defender’s future at the club remains uncertain even with a year still left on his contract, and any departure on his part could create room for Osayi-Samuel to slot straight back into the starting eleven.
Osayi-Samuel made 27 Championship appearances for Birmingham City in the 2025-26 season, recording one assist, but struggled to hold down a regular starting spot for large stretches of the campaign. That inconsistent game time is understood to be a major driver behind his desire to leave St Andrew’s this summer.
The ball appears to be in Fenerbahce’s court, but all indications suggest that Osayi-Samuel would welcome the chance to wear the famous yellow-and-navy shirt once more.
