Genoa's £3m gamble on Preston's controversial striker

One of English football's most controversial characters, Milutin Osmajic, is set to leave Preston North End of the Championship for Serie A side Genoa, with a reported £3 million exit, 23 August 2026. The move follows a series of bans for biting, headbutting and alleged racial abuse.

Why Preston signed Osmajic

Preston North End secured Osmajic as a record signing for around £2.1 million in September 2023, hoping his goal‑scoring would boost the Lancashire club. He has delivered 31 goals from 102 appearances, establishing himself as a key striker. Despite his misdemeanours, he remains popular with Preston supporters.

The forward’s on‑field aggression has also drawn attention; he left teeth marks on a Rovers defender and escaped a red card when referee Matt Donohue missed the incident. Preston’s hierarchy has repeatedly defended him, noting the disciplinary outcome was based on the ‘Balance of Probabilities’ rather than ‘Beyond Reasonable Doubt’.

Genoa's Serie A gamble

Genoa have agreed a £3 million fee for the Montenegro international, a sum confirmed by manager Paul Heckingbottom as the deal nears completion. The Italian club sees value in a striker who can add goals in a league where defensive solidity is prized.

We note that the transfer carries risk, given Osmajic’s history of bans for violent conduct and a nine‑match suspension for alleged racism. Nevertheless, Genoa appear willing to manage the behavioural challenges in exchange for his proven scoring record.

Implications for both clubs

For Preston, the exit is viewed as a blow, especially after losing the first two Championship matches against Bolton and Wolves, leaving the Lancashire side in urgent need of a replacement. The club will have to rebuild its attacking options without the player who contributed 31 goals.

Genoa, meanwhile, acquire a forward with experience in English football, but must integrate him while mitigating the potential for further disciplinary incidents. The move could reshape their attacking dynamics in Serie A.

Despite his flaws, Osmajic departs with a record that includes 31 goals from 102 games, and he retains strong backing from a segment of Preston fans who admire his on‑field contributions.