Birmingham City's Transfer Plans Disrupted as Sarmiento Opts for Middlesbrough
Birmingham City have been dealt a significant blow in the January transfer window, with one of their primary targets now set to join Championship rivals Middlesbrough instead. The Blues had been in advanced negotiations to secure the signature of Brighton & Hove Albion forward Jeremy Sarmiento, but a late intervention from Middlesbrough has seen the deal swing in their favour.
Medical Completed as Boro Secure Key Signing
According to reports from transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Sarmiento has successfully completed his medical with Middlesbrough and is poised to finalise his move to the Riverside Stadium. The agreement involves an initial loan arrangement with an obligation for Middlesbrough to make the transfer permanent for a fee of £3.2 million plus additional add-ons. The Ecuadorian international is expected to sign a four-and-a-half-year contract with the Championship club.
This development represents a substantial setback for Birmingham City manager Chris Davies, who had identified Sarmiento as a key reinforcement for his squad. The Seagulls had been keen to recall the 24-year-old from his loan spell at Italian Serie A side Cremonese and facilitate a permanent departure this month, with Birmingham initially appearing as the most likely destination.
Birmingham Swiftly Turn Attention to Alternative Targets
Despite this disappointment, Birmingham City have already begun pursuing other options to strengthen their attacking options. Reports indicate that the Blues have intensified their efforts to secure the services of Alaves winger Carlos Vicente on a permanent basis. The Championship side have demonstrated a clear strategy of recruiting from Spanish football this window, having already welcomed Jhon Solis on loan from Girona.
Birmingham's January business has also included the acquisition of Philadelphia Union left-back Kai Wagner, alongside loan deals for Brighton winger Ibrahim Osman and Djurgarden centre-forward August Priske. These signings demonstrate the club's proactive approach to squad building under Chris Davies's management, despite the setback regarding Sarmiento.
How Sarmiento Could Impact Middlesbrough's Season
Jeremy Sarmiento brings valuable Championship experience to Middlesbrough, having previously featured for West Bromwich Albion, Ipswich Town, and Burnley in recent seasons. His versatility represents a significant asset for manager Kim Mellberg, as the Ecuadorian international is comfortable operating on either wing or in an attacking midfield role.
However, Sarmiento may require time to establish himself as a regular starter at the Riverside Stadium. The forward has managed just 137 minutes of football for Cremonese this season, failing to secure consistent playing time alongside former Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy. This limited match action suggests he might need a period of adaptation before reaching peak match fitness.
At Middlesbrough, Sarmiento will face competition from established wide players including Morgan Whittaker, Delano Burgzorg, and Sam Silvera, who have shared responsibilities on the flanks this campaign. The Ecuadorian will need to demonstrate his quality in training and limited opportunities to force his way into Mellberg's starting lineup.
For Sarmiento personally, this move represents an opportunity to establish a permanent home after making 21 senior appearances for Brighton without becoming a regular feature in their Premier League plans. The structured pathway to first-team football at Middlesbrough could provide the consistent playing time needed to reignite his career at Championship level.
