On Wednesday Borussia Dortmund released an official update to confirm what has been one of the most dragged out and talked about transfers in recent times – the sale of Jude Bellingham to Real Madrid. The transfer has Blues fans excited due to the prospect of Birmingham City receiving a chunk of change due to a sell-on clause in his transfer to the German club.
March is the time of year when clubs in the Championship file their accounts with the EFL to show their funding for the season ahead. As of yet there is no news of Blues having any issues with their filings but the same can’t be said for other clubs in the division. Four clubs are currently listed as being embargoed while others face potential points deductions.
With no club matches to write about, the focus for football reporting has turned to the international scene and who might be on the plane to Qatar for the World Cup in November. Jude Bellingham is a name that is in the minds of many and despite the transfer window being months away we’re already being deluged by stories of who might be the next to buy his services.
Despite reports that one bidder for Birmingham City has been granted exclusivity, rumours of other interested parties have been rife in the British press. However, in Hong Kong the situation is very different with no confirmation from Birmingham Sports Holdings of any bids for the club. How long can this silence go on for?
With the club close season well and truly upon us, the main source of gossip at Birmingham City is the transfer window; who will stay, who will sign and who will go. Lots of attention is focused on Croatian midfielder Alen Halilovic, who has not made a public decision on whether or not he will accept the contract that has been offered by Blues. Time is running out for the club – and Halilovic cannot keep them hanging on forever.
Scott Hogan became the eighth signing of the summer for Birmingham City on Wednesday, arriving on a four year deal from the wrong side of the expressway. Hogan played 18 games on loan at Blues last season, scoring seven goals. With a month or so left of the transfer window, the question now is if Blues need to bring any more players in.
June 29 sees Birmingham City midfielder Jude Bellingham turn 17 years old and become eligible to sign professional terms with the club. Ironically, while Bellingham will in theory be able to properly commit his future to the club, his signing of a professional deal will more than likely herald the end of his career at St Andrew’s as other clubs swoop for his services.
Birmingham City confirmed on Wednesday that the EFL have notified the club of its intention to appeal the decision of the Independent Disciplinary Commission. The club had all charges dismissed by the Commission in a judgement that was confirmed on March 6.
The EFL announced on Friday changes to its rules ahead of the new season. The biggest of these rule changes are with respect to the conduct of owners of clubs and agents working for them; both issues that have affected Birmingham City in the past twelve months.
When the party for Birmingham City’s pre-season tour to Austria was announced, it was also confirmed that the 24th man of the party was an unnamed trialist. As of Wednesday night the trialist has still not been named with the only word coming from Harry Redknapp being that the player isn’t technically a trialist at all.
