Milutin Osmajic set to leave Preston North End for Genoa
Milutin Osmajic’s turbulent spell in English football appears to be coming to an end, with the Preston striker closing in on a move to Italian side Genoa, reports BritPanorama.
The Montenegro international has drawn attention for his controversial actions during his three years at Deepdale, accumulating lengthy suspensions for incidents involving biting and headbutting, as well as facing an FA charge of racial abuse, which he denied.
Now the 27-year-old is poised for a fresh start in Serie A, with Preston boss Paul Heckingbottom indicating that an agreement is in place for Osmajic to join Genoa for a reported transfer fee of around £3 million.
While the move has yet to be formally completed, his departure appears increasingly likely, presenting Preston with an immediate challenge. Osmajic has scored 31 times in 102 appearances since arriving from Cadiz for a record fee of approximately £2.1 million in September 2023. Moreover, Preston has begun its Championship campaign with defeats against Bolton and Wolves, heightening the urgency for a replacement should Osmajic’s exit be confirmed.
Despite his contentious reputation, Osmajic’s time in Lancashire will be remembered for more than just his goal-scoring record. One of the major controversies arose in September 2024 against Blackburn when Osmajic bit defender Owen Beck during a goalless derby match. Although the referee did not see the incident at the time, it later resulted in an eight-match suspension.
The situation escalated further when Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri accused Osmajic of racially abusing him during a February 2025 match between the two Lancashire rivals. Osmajic denied these allegations, but an independent Regulatory Commission upheld the FA’s charge and imposed a nine-match suspension, a £21,000 fine, and required education.
Preston has expressed disappointment with the outcome of the hearing, noting the “Balance of Probabilities” standard used in the decision-making process. Hannibal has been vocal about the incident, stating: “I will always call out racism whenever I hear or see it. That is the only way we change as a sport and a society.”
The controversy continued when the teams later met in the FA Cup, with Burnley’s players opting not to shake Osmajic’s hand before the game. Despite the tension, Osmajic scored during the match and celebrated in front of the visiting supporters, further intensifying the scrutiny around his actions.
Osmajic’s challenges didn’t end there; after headbutting John Lundstram during a 3-0 defeat to Hull, he received another three-match suspension. Heckingbottom expressed his frustration with Osmajic’s behavior, stating, “A lack of discipline is totally unacceptable. He has not learned his lesson.”
Heckingbottom’s remarks highlight the contrasting dynamics of Osmajic’s career—he has become one of the Championship’s most contentious figures, yet has retained significant backing among Preston supporters, illustrating the complexity of his situation.
As the transfer to Genoa looms, it raises questions about the legacy Osmajic leaves behind: a player whose ability on the pitch is intertwined with an equally turbulent narrative off it. In football, where talent and temperament often collide, Osmajic’s journey serves as a reminder of the thin line that players tread in their professional pursuits.
