Queens Park Rangers first-team coach Neil Banfield has claimed that West Brom target Bright Osayi-Samuel has what it takes to play in the Premier League.
Speaking to West London Sport, the QPR coach confessed that he believes the 22-year-old winger has the potential to go all the way to the top of English football after a productive season with the R’s, with Osayi-Samuel contributing to 12 goals (five goals and seven assists) this campaign in 29 league appearances.
The Baggies have been linked with a move for Osayi-Samuel should Slaven Bilic guide West Brom to Premier League promotion this campaign, with The Sun reporting via HITC that the Nigerian attacker is a top target for the Championship side and that QPR value the winger at just £8m. And for Banfield, the EFL coach believes the former Blackpool star has what it takes to compete in the top-flight.
The former Arsenal coach said about Osayi-Samuel as well as QPR’s other talented youngsters: “They’ve got really bright futures and I think they can definitely grace the Premier League. They can all handle the ball, they work hard, have got a good attitude and they’ve been schooled really well.
“Obviously, we don’t want them to leave. We’d want them to stay at the club, get the club promoted and play in the Premier League for the Rangers. We’d love to get promoted and play with Ebs (Eberechi Eze), Ilias (Chair) and Brighty, but I think you’ve got to be realistic.”
Osayi-Samuel has flourished with QPR this season to become one of the Championship’s most exciting youngsters, and should West Brom secure promotion to the Premier League, the 22-year-old winger would be an exciting addition to the squad, particularly if Bilic is unable to bring back the likes of Grady Diangana for a second season.
