Birmingham City will reshape their squad again this summer as they look to improve on what was an average return to the Championship last season
Jhon Solis of Birmingham City
Jhon Solis of Birmingham City
View Image
Birmingham City are expected to keep Jhon Solis for next season's Championship push amid fresh reports from Spain that Blues will trigger an option to buy the midfielder.
According to Sport, the chances of Solis returning to Girona after his loan spell ended at St Andrews are "unlikely" with Blues eager to get the deal done.
Solis is likely to cost around £6.9m amid claims from his native Colombia that the price has become a sticking point.
But Sport have since claimed that a deal is more than likely after Girona were relegated from La Liga to Spain's second tier earlier this month.
Sport say: "Solis will indeed remain at the club that requested his loan in January: Birmingham City.
"Barring any surprises, the Championship side will exercise their purchase option after he had a fantastic second half of the season in England, starting in most matches and imposing his physicality in midfield.
“He has great physical condition, he knows how to play, but he also knows how to do all the dirty work: recovering loose balls, contesting duels, winning tackles. He also has speed and power his coach highlighted in April.
"In any case, if it doesn't end up happening, he could be a valuable asset for Girona in LaLiga Hypermotion. It's true he was a bit inexperienced for LaLiga, but in the second tier of Spanish football he would almost certainly become a key player. However, that scenario now seems unlikely."
Solis played was excellent for Blues having joined from Girona in January and scored one goal in 17 appearances.
Davies has previously confirmed his desire to see Solis’s stay in Birmingham made permanent, and his parent club, Girona, is a willing seller. Blues are understood to have an option to buy Solis this summer.
The La Liga club are owned by City Football Group, which also owns Manchester City, and Blues are in dialogue with them over a deal for Solis.
“I know that we’re in touch with City (Football Group) who actually own him,” revealed Davies. “We speak to them all the time about him. They’ve come to visit and I’ve spoken to them about his progress.
“They’re communicating with us and we have a really good relationship there.
“I know the player loves it here. I’ve told him how well he’s done and how much we would love for him to be part of it, and he’s really enthusiastic, but we’ll have to see how it all unfolds after the season finishes.”
Do you want Solis at Blues next season? Have your say HERE
BirminghamLive has its very own Birmingham City WhatsApp community to deliver the latest headlines straight to your phone. Just click this link to receive daily Blues content and breaking news. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. Click on the name at the top of your screen while in WhatsApp and click 'Exit Group'. Read our Privacy Notice.