Why West Brom must revive their interests in Bright Osayi-Samuel
According to Birmingham Mail, QPR winger Bright Osayi-Samuel has been a long-term target for fellow Championship side West Bromwich Albion.
The 22-year-old Nigerian has been in excellent form for QPR this season, scoring six goals and assisting eight times from 32 games across all competitions so far. It has been a breakthrough campaign this season for Osayi-Samuel, who joined the Hoops in the summer of 2017.
A Blackpool academy product, Osayi-Samuel has gone on to play 84 matches in total for QPR and has 10 goals and nine assists to his name. The young right winger caught the attention of West Brom during their visit to Loftus Road last September.
Despite winning that game, West Brom were impressed by Osayi-Samuel, who is QPR’s joint top-assist provider in the league this season alongside Eberechi Eze with eight under his belt.
The report also claims that West Brom were linked with a move for the in-form winger back in January in a bid to bolster their attacking options. However, no deal materialised and Osayi-Samuel stayed put at QPR.
However, with his on-field displays improving with time and promotion rivals Leeds United also taking an interest in him, it is high time the Baggies once again revived their interests in Osayi-Samuel. Having played already 80 games in the Championship and 27 in the League One with former side Blackpool, there is no questioning the youngster’s experience.
Osayi-Samuel will offer West Brom options on the flanks
Irrespective of their league status, the arrival of a talented and in-form winger like Osayi-Samuel would only make West Brom stronger. Predominantly a right-winger Osayi-Samuel is equally capable of functioning on the left flank having done so on numerous occasions for QPR and Blackpool.
He could, thus, prove to be a valuable asset for West Brom, who lack depth in the wide areas. At the moment the Slaven Bilic’s side have just four wingers – Jonathan Leko, Matt Phillips, Matheus Pereira, and winter arrival Kamil Grosicki.
However, young winger Leko sustained and injury and is currently out of the side. He is not expected to return until August. Phillips, on the other hand, mostly prefers playing on the right and is close to his thirties. Pereira, on the other hand, with 16 assists this season, has been the most outstanding player in the side.
Unfortunately for West Brom, his loan deal expires at the end of the season. Post that he will return to parent club Sporting. Grosicki, meanwhile, is already 31 and has shown signs of ageing. Considering all this, making a move for young winger Osayi-Samuel would be a smart move by the Baggies.
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Verdict
Despite West Brom’s excellent showing in the Championship this season, they lack enough wingers in their side. Hence, they should revive their interests in the in-form Osayi-Samuel and land him at the Hawthorns as soon as possible. Given his form and versatility, he would offer Slaven Bilic plenty of options in the attack. His arrival would, thus, boost the quality and depth of the squad.
