Birmingham City retained list: Osayi-Samuel still under contract but young Nigerian pro released

Following the conclusion of the 2025-2026 season, Championship outfit Birmingham City have confirmed their retained and released list.

All EFL clubs are required to submit their retained and released lists by the third Saturday of May.

As expected, Nigeria international Bright Osayi-Samuel has been retained by the Blues ahead of the start of pre-season training.

The Blackpool academy graduate joined Birmingham City last July on the expiration of his contract with Turkish club Fenerbahçe, penning a three-year deal that runs until the end of the 2027–2028 season.

In his debut campaign at St Andrew's, Osayi-Samuel made 19 starts in the Championship, registering his only goal involvement in a February fixture against Norwich City.

Meanwhile, 19-year-old winger Daniel Isichei is among 13 young professionals to have been released by the club.

Although he departs without making a senior appearance, Isichei was named as an unused substitute on nine occasions—seven in the Championship, and once each in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.

In search of regular first-team opportunities, he spent the final two months of the season on loan at National League side Tamworth.