Birmingham City and Southampton are in a fight to secure the services of Nottingham Forest man Lewis O’Brien, reports Alan Nixon.
Birmingham City are expected to have some lofty ambitions going into next season. Following their dominant year in League One, BCFC are heading back to the second tier with a squad ready to compete.
Southampton, on the other hand, are dropping down to the Championship in a bad way. Despite the appointment of highly-rated boss Will Still, the Saints had a disastrous season last year and confidence is low heading into next year.
Southampton boss Will Still
Image courtesy of: PETER CZIBORRA/REUTERS.
Despite Birmingham and Southampton’s contrasting seasons, they are set to do battle this summer. According to Alan Nixon, reporting via his Patreon, the two sides are chasing Nottingham Forest’s Lewis O’Brien.
A host of Championship clubs are keen on O’Brien this summer. However, BCFC and Saints lead the race due to their willingness to buy the midfielder permanently.
His contract at Forest is up next summer, so they are likely looking to cash in this window. He was bought by Forest in 2023 for around £8m from Huddersfield Town, but has made just 17 appearances for the club.
In his time at the City Ground, he has been sent on three loan spells, two of which were in the Championship. Last season, he was with Swansea City, making 16 appearances after joining in January.
Useful Championship experience
O’Brien would be a shrewd pickup for both Birmingham City and Southampton. In what would be a relatively cheap deal for both sides, he would offer a lot of bang for your buck.
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Birmingham and Saints have plenty of quality in their squad but not so much experience in the Championship. BCFC in particular have bought from outside of England a lot, so O’Brien does offer something different.
BCFC - Birmingham City lift the L1 title
Image courtesy of: CAT GORYN/REUTERS.
At just 26 years old. O’Brien is still in his prime years. He has a lot to offer and, for a small fee, would be a great pickup.
Sign of Birmingham’s aims
Birmingham City were tipped to be fighting with the Championship’s top sides this summer. Many laughed at that prospect due to them only just being promoted from League One.
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However, as we start to get into the summer window, it is becoming more apparent of BCFC’s aims. They clearly feel they can mix it with the relegated Premier League sides next year.
Sides going for back-to-back promotions is not out of the question. Sunderland finished in a play-off place in 2023 and Ipswich Town pulled off the feat the following year.