Birmingham City this morning announced the arrival of Girona’s Jhon Solís in the winter market.
On Friday, claims from Spain reported the Colombian had completed his medical tests with the Blues. Girona were in a rush to get the move completed, with in turn helped the Blues.
Also yesterday, Marca brought an update on Birmingham City’s interest in Deportivo Alavés’ Carlos Vicente. Chris Davies’ side have made a substantial offer for the 26-year-old despite the Spanish club’s reluctance to sell.
El Correo, a Basque newspaper and local to Alavés, now pick up on that and provide the latest.
According to the well connected newspaper, Birmingham City’s interest in the Spaniard isn’t new as they approached him last summer.
The Championship side are 14th in the table. Due to their standing in the second division in England, El Correo label them as Vicente’s ‘unusual suitor’.
Birmingham City seen as financially strong
Davies’ side ‘possess ample financial muscle’, which is often a frustration in Spain with Championship clubs.
Vicente isn’t unsellable for the Spanish club, but they need a ‘substantial offer’ to sanction his transfer in January. The player has a contract until 2027 with a €20m release clause. Alavés want close to that amount to sell their player.
Alavés, who invested €600k to sign him in January 2024, are willing to negotiate without drastically moving away from their €20m price. The report points out interest from other unnamed clubs, which could be a tactic to put pressure on Birmingham City.
Transfer sounds possible – Price needs negotiating
The Spanish club’s coach, Eduardo Coudet, is looking for a winger with a profile different to that of Vicente.
El Correo state: ‘This interest comes at a particular moment in Vicente’s time at Alavés. Coudet’s preference for a winger with a more link-up style, characteristics that contrast with the Aragonese player’s vertical, dribbling style, has led to a significant decrease in his starting role. These are precisely the qualities that British clubs, known for their high-tempo style, really appreciate.’
To sum it up, Vicente doesn’t seem to have a major role under Coudet despite managing nine goals and three assists so far this season.
Birmingham City could take advantage of this to snatch him. Alavés, for their part, are finding ways to put squeeze as much as possible from the Blues. A transfer fee close to €20m is unlikely, so it’s now down to the two clubs to negotiate.
