Birmingham City boss Chris Davies lifts lid on scouting mission for £3m ex-Southampton star

Davies has revealed he immediately knew he wanted to sign Christoph Klarer from Darmstadt after watching the central defender on a scouting mission last summer.

Heavily involved in the transfer business at St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park, Davies was keen to reinforce his defence with physicality and bravery upon his arrival at the club. Klarer was the main target and his services were secured for around £3 million - a fee that was spent without question after Davies was mesmerised seeing the player live.

“I remember in the summer when I watched him play - I signed 17 players so I was just constantly watching players - and it didn’t take me long when I watched him,” Davies told Birmingham World after Blues’ 1-1 draw at Wrexham.

“I saw a few balls come up and he headed them away. He then headed straight into the back of someone’s head and I thought, ‘That’s exactly the kind of player I want’.

“I thought that because he’s going to need to do that in League One – he’s critical for us. He can play as well, he can play. But if the ball’s up in the air he’ll head it.”

When asked how Klarer’s skillset would translate to Championship football, Davies added: “He’s played in the Bundesliga, he came through at Southampton so he knows what it’s like in England, then he went off to play in Germany playing at a good level.

“I’ve been seriously impressed by him, not only as a player but also as a character. He’s a really good leader and someone who’s really key for us.”

Christoph Klarer ready to take Birmingham to next level

Klarer has been worth every penny so far as he’s established himself as the best centre-half in League One. Not many would doubt the 24-year-old has the ability to go and boss it in the Championship, too, and that’s exactly what the player is aiming to do.

Blues’ Austrian defender was in outstanding form against Wrexham on Thursday as he won four tackles, made 13 clearances and notably won seven of his eight aerial duels against the Red Dragons’ tall and physical attackers.

Incredibly brave to throw his body and head on the line to keep Birmingham level, it looked as if the 24-year-old would head a brick if necessary.

When asked by Birmingham World if he’d do just that, Klarer replied without hesitation: “I would if I had to for this club! It’s because I care a lot for the team and for the club.”

The defender then made a hint about his future, dedicating himself to the project as Blues seek to gain promotion up the divisions.

“From day one I’ve really felt welcome, I’ve wanted to be part of the product and I want to give as much value to the team as I can. I’ve been brought in to do that side of the game as well,” Klarer added.