Deportivo Alavés’ Carlos Vicente is edging closer towards completing a permanent move to Birmingham City in the winter market.
The Championship side were able to get ahead of Ajax by offering better terms to the 26-year-old. This saw the Blues tip the balance in their favour.
Birmingham City have reached an agreement with the La Liga side to sign the winger via a permanent transfer. Monday saw the Spanish press cover the details of the operation.
Marca stated the fee to be around €8m and Chris Davies’ side are offering him a contract worth €3m per year. Alavés can receive additional €2m as potential bonuses.
Vicente has travelled to England to complete his move to Birmingham City. His sale will help the Spanish club raise funds, needed to strengthen their squad in this window.
Sport cover the 26-year-old’s impending move to England.
There’s disappointment that a player at the best stage of his career is leaving La Liga for the Championship. Davies’ side are 13th in the table, five points behind sixth placed Wrexham.
Sport state: ‘Vicente’s signing highlights the vast gap between the financial ecosystems of the English and Spanish leagues. Birmingham City operates with a budget that rivals, and even surpasses, that of several teams in the lower reaches of La Liga. The €8m they’ll pay for the winger would be unthinkable for a Segunda División club in Spain.’
Vicente has an opportunity to improve his market value in the Championship. Sport suggest it’s a strategic step for him to get closer to the Premier League. Should he fail to achieve it with the Blues, he could have other options.
Losing a key teammate, but wished well at Birmingham City
Alavés Toni Martínez has shared his views on Vicente’s impending sale to Birmingham City.
“There’s nothing official yet. I’ve seen photos of him at the airport, but we don’t know anything,” he said, quoted by El Correo.
“I wish him all the best; he’s a fantastic guy. I’m no one to question a decision. It’s a fantastic country to play football in [he came through West Ham academy). I wish him all the best.”
“We have players who are here and want to contribute. We know what a loss it is. Calebe is a player in his position who can fill that role. After that, it’s up to the club to decide. I’m sure they’ll look out for everyone’s best interests.”
