Ibrahim Osman will remain with Brighton & Hove Albion after his impressive pre-season performances persuaded head coach Fabian Hurzeler to include him in the first-team squad.
The 21-year-old Ghanaian winger had been a target for Birmingham City following a successful loan spell at the Championship club last season. Osman made 18 appearances for the Blues and scored four goals, performances which convinced manager Chris Davies that the player could make a permanent impact at St Andrew’s.
Osman was also open to extending his stay in Birmingham. However, negotiations were complicated by Brighton’s valuation of the forward, with the Premier League club seeking about £18m for his transfer. That figure equated to almost €21m and was considered beyond Birmingham City’s reach, particularly because of the financial restrictions imposed by the Championship’s squad-cost ratio.
Birmingham City had hoped Brighton would lower their demands before the summer transfer window closed. Instead, Osman’s form during pre-season altered the situation.
His displays were enough to convince Hurzeler to give him an opportunity with Brighton’s senior side. Osman was subsequently retained as part of the first-team group and has already featured in the opening matches of the Premier League season. His involvement at the highest level has effectively ended Birmingham City’s hopes of bringing him back this summer, according to Footy-Africa.
The Blues did attempt to pursue another Ghana international, Mohammed Fuseini, after it became clear that a deal for Osman would not be completed. That move also failed to materialise during the final hours of the transfer window, leaving Birmingham City to sign Liam Millar instead.
Osman remains under contract with Brighton & Hove Albion until 2029. Birmingham City could consider renewing their interest in January if his opportunities at Brighton decrease during the first half of the campaign. His current market value is estimated at €7m by Transfermarkt, substantially below the asking price previously set by Brighton.
The Ghanaian’s emergence comes as Brighton prepare to face Leeds in the third round of the English league season. Betting company 1xBet lists Leeds at 3.70 to win, with a draw priced at 3.50 and Brighton at 1.93.