The meteoric rise and controversial disciplinary record of Montenegro's Milutin Osmajić
In short: From a record-breaking transfer at Preston North End to heavy FA bans, the career of forward Milutin Osmajić has been defined as much by his clinical finishing as by his volatile outbursts on the pitch. His journey through Europe's top leagues remains marked by both immense talent and significant controversy.
Milutin Osmajić's professional journey began in Montenegro with FK Sutjeska Nikšić, where he debuted in March 2018. After helping the club secure the 2018–19 Montenegrin First League title, he established himself as a significant scoring threat, netting 13 goals during the 2020–21 season. His international career followed shortly after, with his debut for Montenegro occurring on 11 November 2020 against Kazakhstan.
His movement through Europe's top leagues has been rapid and varied. In July 2021, he joined Spain's Cádiz CF, making his La Liga debut in August of that year. Subsequent moves included loans to Turkey's Bandırmaspor in early 2022 and Portugal's F.C. Vizela later that August. However, it was his September 2023 move to Preston North End that made headlines; the four-year deal involved an undisclosed fee reported as a club record for the English Championship side.
While Osmajić demonstrated remarkable scoring bursts—including two hat-tricks for Preston in 2024—his career has been marred by severe disciplinary sanctions. In September 2024, he received an eight-match ban and a £15,000 fine following an incident involving a potential bite during a derby against Blackburn Rovers. Further controversy arose in early 2025 when he was found guilty by an independent panel of racially abusing Burnley's Hannibal Mejbri, resulting in a nine-match ban. His pattern of volatility continued into 2026, when a headbutt on John Lundstram led to his ejection from a match against Hull City.
Following these turbulent years in England, Osmajić transitioned to Italy, joining Serie A club Genoa on a permanent transfer in August 2026.
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