West Midlands rivals Birmingham City and Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly on a collision course in the January transfer market, as both clubs target the same £6 million-rated winger.
Midlands Rivals Share Swiss Target
According to reports from journalist Ben Jacobs, both the Blues and the Old Gold have shortlisted FC Basel attacker Philip Otele. The 26-year-old Nigerian is expected to leave the Swiss club this month, with Basel now willing to listen to offers in the region of €7 million (approximately £6m).
Despite operating in different divisions, with Wolves in the Premier League and Birmingham in the Championship, both clubs are seeking reinforcements on the flanks. Wolves are planning for a likely future in the second tier, while Birmingham are building a squad capable of mounting a stronger play-off push next season.
Celtic and Others Complicate the Chase
Securing a deal for Otele will be far from straightforward for the Midlands pair. The report names Celtic, AFC Bournemouth, and Italian side Lazio as other clubs expected to make official enquiries for the player, who was close to joining Fulham last summer.
Otele has produced a solid return this season, scoring four goals and providing three assists in 19 Swiss Super League appearances. He has also netted twice in six UEFA Europa League outings, proving he can perform on the continental stage.
Who is Philip Otele?
The sought-after winger has had a well-travelled career for a 26-year-old. After beginning in non-league football in England with Wolviston FC, he has played in Lithuania, Romania, Abu Dhabi, and now Switzerland.
Predominantly a left winger, Otele is versatile and can also operate on the right flank or as a centre-forward. Standing at 6ft 1in, his key attributes are his blistering acceleration, sprint speed, and agility, coupled with comfort using both feet.
Signing Otele would represent a significant gamble for either Birmingham or Wolves given the fee, but his potential to adapt his European form to English football makes him an intriguing prospect. With Basel keen to sell, the transfer battle for his signature is likely to intensify in the coming weeks.
