An announcement has been made involving a Rangers and Crystal Palace transfer target.
Birmingham City have announced promising attacking midfielder Zaid Betteka has signed his first professional contract with the club.
Betteka, who had earned transfer interest from Rangers, Crystal Palace and Norwich City earlier this year, has turned down offers from elsewhere to commit his future to Blues.
The 18-year-old made his senior Blues debut in January as he came off the bench during the 2-1 victory over Lincoln City in the FA Cup third round. Betteka, who has Algerian and Somalian heritage, was 17 at the time and his future was uncertain.
Birmingham have convinced Betteka to change that uncertainty, though, with the teenager now set to stay for the long term. Capable of playing on the left wing or as an attacking midfielder, Betteka has gradually been progressing up Blues’ youth ranks. He’s currently with the under-21 squad and his FA Cup cameo was his first proper venture into senior football.
Could Betteka break into the Birmingham first team soon?
Competition is fierce at St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park, especially in the attacking positions. You know it’s tough to get in the team when the likes of Alfie May - last season’s League One Golden Boot winner - and Lyndon Dykes - a full Scotland international are often benched.
Nonetheless, Betteka will be hoping to follow up his FA Cup appearance with more senior minutes next season. If manager Chris Davies is willing to give him the opportunity, it could prove to be a breakthrough year for Betteka. Remaining in the youth ranks isn’t a bad alternative, in fairness.
Zaid Betteka has signed his first professional Birmingham City contract.Zaid Betteka has signed his first professional Birmingham City contract.
Zaid Betteka has signed his first professional Birmingham City contract. | Birmingham City Football Club (BCFC)
“It is amazing, a real proud moment for me and my family," Betteka told Blues TV after signing his contract. "This is something I have dreamt of since I was a little kid, but to actually be here feels surreal.
"I have been at the academy since I was very young, and the support I have had from the coaches to get here has been amazing. It took a lot of hard work, but now the hard work continues.”
Birmingham confirmed in their statement that several Premier League clubs were interested in signing Betteka. He’s delighted to continue at his boyhood club, though, and believes St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park is the best place to continue his progression.
"I feel like my future here can only go up," he said. "Playing for the first team last season, even though I was only on the pitch for a few minutes, the manager said there is a lot more to come. Training with the first team also shows me the level that I want to get to.
"Growing up my family did not really know about football but, after seeing me play, they have supported me all the way by taking me to training after school and on the weekends. It is a really proud moment for all of us.”
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