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.
The Montenegro international has rarely been far from controversy during his three years at Deepdale, accumulating lengthy suspensions following incidents involving biting and headbutting, as well as an FA charge of racial abuse which he denied.
Now the 27-year-old is poised for a fresh start in Serie A.
Preston boss Paul Heckingbottom has indicated an agreement is in place for Osmajic to join Genoa, with the transfer reportedly worth around £3million.
While the move has yet to be formally completed, his departure appears increasingly likely.
Losing Osmajic presents Preston with an immediate footballing problem.
He has established himself as an important figure in attack and has scored 31 times across 102 appearances since arriving from Cadiz for a club-record fee of approximately £2.1m in September 2023.
Preston have also started their Championship campaign with successive defeats against Bolton and Wolves, increasing the need for a replacement should Osmajic’s exit be finalised.
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
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PA
Yet his time in Lancashire will be remembered for far more than goals.
The first major disciplinary controversy came against Blackburn in September 2024 when Osmajic bit defender Owen Beck during a goalless derby.
Referee Matt Donohue did not witness the incident and Osmajic escaped punishment during the match, but he was subsequently suspended for eight games.
Months later, Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri accused Osmajic of racially abusing him during a February 2025 meeting between the Lancashire rivals.
Milutin Osmajic has been a key player for Preston despite the controversy that surrounds him
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GETTY
Osmajic emphatically denied the accusation.
Following a lengthy disciplinary process, an independent Regulatory Commission found the FA charge proven and imposed a nine-match suspension, a £21,000 fine and mandatory education.
Preston publicly expressed their disappointment with the outcome, drawing attention to the “Balance of Probabilities” standard used to determine the case.
Hannibal had previously addressed the incident publicly, saying: “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 faced each other in the FA Cup.
Burnley’s players declined to shake Osmajic’s hand before the game, before the striker scored and celebrated towards the visiting support.
Another flashpoint followed last season.
Milutin Osmajic clashed with Hannibal Mejbri during a match between Preston and Burnley
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GETTY
Osmajic was dismissed during a 3-0 loss to Hull after headbutting John Lundstram in an incident which unfolded directly in front of referee Stephen Martin.
The resulting violent-conduct suspension ruled him out for another three matches and prompted a furious response from Heckingbottom.
“A lack of discipline is totally unacceptable,” he said.
“He has not learned his lesson.”
Heckingbottom also questioned Osmajic’s professionalism, insisting there was a standard of behaviour expected from players both on and away from the pitch.
Those incidents have made the forward one of the Championship’s most contentious figures, although he has continued to enjoy significant backing among Preston supporters.
