Birmingham City are reportedly advancing in talks to sign their first signing of the summer, which is thought to be Gil Vicente midfielder Kanya Fujimoto.
Portuguese journalist Sebastiao Sousa-Pinto has said that Birmingham have already submitted a bid to the Japanese player, whose contract runs out this summer, so therefore could be available on a free transfer. At this stage, talks look to be progressing between the two parties, rather than regressing, but only time will tell if they can get the deal over the line.
Adding to The Squad
It seems like Tom Wagner, Chris Davies, and the rest of the staff aren’t playing around and are looking to further strengthen the squad, following their record-breaking promotion campaign from League One. With current attacking midfielders Luke Harris and Kieran Dowell both returning to their parent clubs, Fulham and Rangers, respectively, it’s no surprise to see the club shopping in the international market once again.
The 25-year-old has registered five goals and six assists in 30 Liga Portugal games this season, mainly playing as a number 10 but also featuring a few times on the wing as well. He wouldn’t be the only Asian talent at St. Andrews, with fellow Japanese midfielder Tomoki Iwata and South Korean duo Myung-jae Lee and Seung-ho Paik all plying their trade in England with the Championship outfit.
Fujimoto isn’t the only player Blues have been linked with, with Peterborough United winger Kwame Poku linked with a move to St. Andrews following the expiry of his Posh contract.
Getting Business Done
It will not come as a shock to many to see Birmingham spending yet again, given the amount they spent in the third tier last season. They broke the League One transfer record three times, spending a ridiculous amount, but in the end, they achieved promotion back to the second tier in style at the first time of asking.
It would seem the Blues aren’t done there, as they look to further strengthen the squad in positions they need. Given that last year, both the international and the free agent market worked so well for them, it comes as no revelation to see them shopping in the same boat.
Although many won’t know much about Fujimoto, with his record in the Portuguese top-flight, the signing could be another piece of shrewd business for Birmingham.
Writer’s View
To see Birmingham back in the second tier is more natural; however, they now need to cement that place before potentially pushing for promotion to the Premier League. Now the club have adequate investment, it’s a really attractive club to move to from a player’s perspective, and it wouldn’t surprise me to see other players, such as Japanese U20 international Fujimoto, move to St. Andrews. This could potentially be a massive summer for Birmingham City.
