Birmingham City 'working' on transfer deal for 21-year-old this summer

Birmingham City have made some ambitious signings so far this summer. They have brought in the likes of Tommy Doyle, Demarai Gray and James Beadle. The Midlands outfit have the chance to make more signings over the next couple of months.

The Blues also have the opportunity to let some players head out the exit door as well if needed. Chris Davies was appointed as their manager 12 months ago. He has since done an impressive job and guided them to an immediate promotion from League One.

Birmingham City eye Joe Mendes deal

Birmingham are ‘working’ on a deal for SC Braga right-back Joe Mendes, according to Expressen. The defender is being linked with a switch to the Blues in this window. Sheffield United and Southampton have also been credited with an interest, as well as Union Berlin and Samsunspor.

Mendes, 21, spent the last campaign on loan at FC Basel. He has been with his current club since joining them in 2023 and they have a big decision to make regarding his future. The Sweden international has made 37 appearances in all competitions for them to date.

He started out at Hammarby before he was lured to AIK. The full-back broke into the first-team of the latter in the Allsvanskan. He then emerged on the radar of Braga who later lured him over to Portugal as a teenager but his situation there is now up in the air amid attention from elsewhere in this window.

Would Joe Mendes suit Birmingham City?

Birmingham could see Mendes as someone to boost their defensive ranks. If he joined, he would give them more competition and depth at the back. In addition, he would give them something different to call upon.

The Blues’ recruitment has been shrewd over the past 12 months or so. They have built a new-look team under the guidance of Davies. The hierarchy have ambitious plans to get to the Premier League and they will be looking to be a force to be reckoned with this next term as they look to keep their momentum going.

Following their third tier title win, Davies said: “They've been amazing (the players). We've put a team together from scratch really. There were six or seven that stayed but there were 17 new players. They get on well, and they've got a great spirit, but we signed good characters.

"For too long this club had players that weren't the right character, that let the club down, basically. Whether we win, lose or draw you'll always see a team that's fighting. That's what the fans ultimately want for their club, and that's what they've got.

“They've been exceptional because, don't forget, every single game this season, home and away, they've been expected to win. No team in the land has had to dealt with that, and they've dealt with it brilliantly. I said to the players before the game, at the hotel, that there are ups and downs in football and you have to cherish the good times. It's really about making memories.”