Preston North End's Milutin Osmajic, a player who has faced multiple bans for violent conduct and alleged racism, is nearing a transfer to Italian club Genoa, according to manager Paul Heckingbottom. The move, reportedly for £3 million, would see the striker depart English football.
Osmajic joined Preston as their record signing in September 2023 but quickly garnered attention for his disciplinary issues. In October 2024, he received an eight-game ban for biting Blackburn Rovers' Owen Beck on the neck during a match. The Montenegro international left visible teeth marks on Beck's shoulder, though the referee did not see the incident at the time and instead sent off Beck for an earlier action.
Further controversy arose in February 2025 when Osmajic was accused of racially abusing Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri. An investigation by the Football Association resulted in a nine-game ban, a £21,000 fine, and a mandatory education course. Osmajic denied the allegation, with his defense suggesting he said 'f*** you, bad man' rather than a racial slur. Preston North End expressed disappointment with the ban, noting the decision was based on the 'Balance of Probabilities.' Following the incident, Burnley players reportedly declined to shake Osmajic's hand before a subsequent match.
In January of the previous season, Osmajic was shown a red card for headbutting Hull City's John Lundstram. The incident, witnessed by the referee, resulted in a three-match ban for violent conduct and contributed to a melee involving players and staff from both teams.
Despite these incidents, Osmajic has remained a popular figure among Preston fans, scoring 31 goals in 102 appearances for the club. His imminent departure leaves Preston in need of a new striker, having lost their first two Championship matches of the current season.