Last summer, Leeds United brought in around £100 million via the sale of Archie Gray, Georginio Rutter and the reigning Championship Player of the Year Crysencio Summerville.
But rather than reinvest that nine-figure windfall in high-price replacements – albeit they were a little hamstrung by Financial Fair Play – the Yorkshire giants invested sensibly and cost-effectively.
Joe Rodon, at £10 million, was the most expensive of their eight summer signings.
In hindsight, Leeds United’s emergence as title favourites is proof that low-cost additions do not equal a lower-league placing. Ao Tanaka has been ‘outstanding’ at £3.4 million. The £5 million arrival of Jayden Bogle has Sheffield United wishing they could turn back the clock.
Joe Rothwell and Manor Solomon, meanwhile, both joined on loan.
So while many will expect Leeds to dig a little deeper and aim a little higher if a return to the Premier League can be secured – The Whites invested over £100 million on the likes of Rodrigo Moreno, Diego Llorente and Raphinha during their first spell back in the big-time under Marcelo Bielsa – Bright Osayi-Samuel would be another addition more in line with their 2024 approach.
Low on cost, but not low on quality.
Leeds United linked with out-of-contract Bright Osayi-Samuel
Osayi-Samuel is, after all, one of Jose Mourinho’s most trusted lieutenants at Turkish giants Fenerbahce.
Yet, with his contract due to expire in July and with Bogle nailing down the right-back role, Leeds may be tempted by the prospect of adding an experienced, versatile operator to their squad without spending a penny.
Speaking ahead of Fenerbahce’s Europa League last-16 second-leg tie with Rangers at Ibrox on Thursday night, Osayi-Samuel opened up on his future in Turkey.
The former Blackpool and Queens Park Rangers ace admits that talks are yet to advance. Yet, he believes that Fenerbahce are currently minded to keep him at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium.
“I really want to play for this team,” Osayi-Samuel says. “My contract ends at the end of the season. I will talk to the president about this. They said they will offer me a new contract.
“Let’s see what happens at the end of the season, what things happen.”
Leeds reportedly tried to sign Fenerbahce star last summer
Osayi-Samuel was one of the Championship’s most exciting wingers at QPR. The Nigeria international’s trademark became thrilling runs from deep inside his own half, with one remarkable effort against Birmingham City sticking in the memory.
Over in Turkey, however, Osayi-Samuel has been converted into a rampaging right-back. The type of which has blossomed under Daniel Farke at Leeds United. Between them, Junior Firpo and the aforementioned Bogle have scored or assisted 17 goals in all competitions this season.
A long-term target, Leeds reportedly offered £7 million for Bright Osayi-Samuel last summer. Fenerbahce turned down that bid. But, if contract talks fail to get off the ground, Mourinho and co will be powerless from preventing his departure this time around.
“I’ve heard Crystal Palace, Fulham, Everton and Sheffield United [like Osayi-Samuel],” football correspondent Graeme Bailey tells Leeds United News.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if Leeds are also interested with him being available on a free. He won’t be cheap [wage-wise]. A lot of Premier League clubs like him.
“We don’t know if he wants to come back to England. He has a few offers.”
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