Birmingham City are on the verge of completing a significant £7 million transfer swoop for Carlos Vicente from Deportivo Alaves, with the player scheduled to undergo a medical this week. This move marks a key development in the January window as the Blues aim to strengthen their squad for the Championship run-in.
Breakthrough in Negotiations for Vicente
According to reports from Sky Sports, Birmingham City are edging closer to an agreement for Vicente, with negotiations in the final stages to iron out the finer details of the £7 million package. The winger has reportedly turned down interest from Dutch giants Ajax in favour of a move to St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park, highlighting the club's ambitious approach under head coach Chris Davies.
Spanish sources have corroborated this update, adding credibility to the imminent deal. While Vicente's contract at Alaves includes a release clause valued at €20 million (£17.3 million), Birmingham have managed to secure his services for a lower fee, demonstrating shrewd negotiation in the transfer market.
Impact on Birmingham's Season
This potential signing comes at a crucial time for Birmingham City, who are currently unbeaten in their last four league matches and sit 13th in the Championship standings, just five points behind sixth-placed Wrexham. Adding Vicente to the squad could provide the depth and quality needed to push for a higher position as the season progresses.
Vicente, aged 26, is entering his prime years and has established himself as a reliable goal scorer in Spain's top flight. This season, he has netted nine goals and provided three assists in 24 appearances, building on a solid record from the previous campaign where he contributed five goals and five assists in 38 La Liga matches.
How Vicente Fits into the Blues' Lineup
If the transfer is finalised, Vicente is expected to compete for a starting role immediately, vying for minutes with players like Demarai Gray and Ibrahim Osman. With Gray sidelined until February at the earliest due to injury, Vicente could seize the opportunity to make an immediate impact and bolster Birmingham's attacking options.
His journey to this point has been notable, as he first broke onto the scene in the Spanish third tier in the 2021/22 season with CD Calahorra at age 22, showcasing his development into a top-level performer.
This deal follows Birmingham's earlier January signings of Kai Wagner, Jhon Solis, Ibrahim Osman, and August Priske, indicating a proactive strategy in the transfer market. While Vicente may not be the final addition this window, his arrival underscores the club's commitment to building a competitive team for the remainder of the season.
