Birmingham City have recently announced the signing of Bright Osayi-Samuel from Fenerbahce, with the attack-minded right-back set for an anticipated return to England. The Blues now want to further strengthen their healthy right-back area.
According to a report by Swedish journalist, Anel Advić, the recently-promoted Championship side want to bring SC Braga’s Josafat Mendes to the West Midlands as another impressive option.
The Swedish full-back has impressed during a temporary spell away from the Liga Portugal side, with Basel in Switzerland. Mendes played five times for Braga last season before being loaned out to the RotBlau. During his stay, the 22-year-old played 33 matches across the Super League as well as the Schweizer Pokal – contributing one goal and one assist.
Strength (and Competition) In Numbers
Birmingham’s capture of Osayi-Samuel has not only set the tone for the rest of the pre-Championship business that will commence, but it has left a defensive area stacked with more than capable talent.
Ethan Laird and Alfons Sampsted, as out-and-out right-backs, will be among the pecking order for the Blues next season. The two had to share minutes between each other, with the former starting in 35 league games while Sampsted offered just 17 in Birmingham’s League One record-breaking win.
As a more midfield-utilised option, Taylor Gardner-Hickman has impressed at right-back too at times. However, the former Bristol City man will likely feature elsewhere in the team with the addition of Osayi-Samuel and the rumours of Mendes’ arrival.
Interest For The Young International
The 22-year-old has played for a couple of Swedish clubs: Hammarby and AIK. Braga snapped Mendes up from the latter in 2022, nurturing him into a top talent. Understandably, this acknowledgement of the defender’s ability has handed City plenty of competition for Mendes’ signature. Sheffield United, Southampton, German side Union Berlin and Samsunspor – from Turkey, have all registered interest.
Mendes has appeared once for the Swedish national team during his time at Braga, but has previously been a regular in the under-21s set-up. The Blues-linked defender contributed two assists during this period, notably in the UEFA U21 Championship Qualification campaign.
Writer’s View
As greedy as this transfer would be if it came into fruition, the Blues are hitting the nail on the head with their transfer business so far. Premier League quality, as well as from top clubs abroad, has been added to an impressive Birmingham side ahead of their Championship return.
Osayi-Samuel is the clear favourite to occupy the attacking wing-back role on the right hand side, but a case can be made for Laird to cause some competition. However, if Mendes is signed for Chris Davies’ side then the Blues would be in the luxurious position of great rotation in that area. It would even allow Osayi-Samuel to move higher up the pitch and play as Demarai Gray’s opposite at times.
This would unlock a very different dynamic for Brum and could make the squad more versatile than it already is. But, the rumours could be a ploy from the other side to drive up competing bids, with Birmingham already sorted in that department a move may not make financial sense.
