The latest transfer news as Birmingham City eye a player from bitter rivals Aston Villa.
Birmingham City were reportedly interested in a shock move for an Aston Villa playmaker during the summer transfer window.
Blues, on a mission to reach the Premier League as soon as possible, have shown great ambition in the transfer market throughout the past two summers. Chris Davies’ side got 12 new signings over the line during the window just gone, many of whom have either already played in the top flight or have realistic ambitions of doing so.
As far as windows go, Birmingham’s was up there. Blues brought in Celtic hero Kyogo Furuhashi, prolific forward Marvin Ducksch, tricky wingers Patrick Roberts and Demarai Gray, rapid defender Phil Neumann and Wolves midfielder Tommy Doyle, to name a few.
Birmingham interested in Aston Villa gem
But it could have become an even more blockbuster window, as Blues reportedly weighed up a shock swoop for a Villa player. Such a thought is gruesome for fans of both clubs, but it’s reportedly an avenue Blues were exploring at one stage.
Newly promoted Premier League side Leeds United were heavily linked with Buendia throughout the summer but never got a deal over the line. Neither did Blues, obviously, but great ambition was shown to target a player of his quality.
Yes, Buendia hasn’t hit the heights of his time at Norwich or his early Villa days for a long while, but he remains a top player. Still just 28 years of age, Buendia scored two goals in 11 Bundesliga appearances on loan at Bayer Leverkusen last season. In 2022/23, his most productive campaign for Villa, Buendia scored five goals and provided two assists as he featured in all 38 Premier League games.
Could Birmingham sign Buendia in January?
Given the recent interest and the fact that Buendia is now into the final two years of his Villa contract, it wouldn’t be outlandish to suggest Birmingham might reignite their interest this January. If the signings of Kyogo, Roberts, Gray, Ducksch, Doyle and co aren’t having the desired creative influence, Buendia could be a decent option.
Although there’s nothing more to suggest it will happen, Blues completing a shock swoop for Buendia in January could bolster their promotion hopes. The Villa man would likely start in the number 10 role, though he could also head out on the right flank as Davies likes players who can cut onto their favoured foot to influence play.
Would you like to see Buendia at St Andrew’s? Can you see past the fact he’s a Villan? Let us know in the comments below.
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