Exclusive: Birmingham City told to buck up transfer ideas as Carlos Vicente and August Priske deals doubted
In an interview with Birmingham World, Jermaine Pennant shares his bold opinions on Blues’ transfer strategy.
Former Birmingham City winger Jermaine Pennant has warned Blues must focus on building an experienced squad worthy of gaining promotion from the Championship, rather than making marquee signings.
Birmingham had another busy window as chairman Tom Wagner provided over £15 million’s worth of funds to bring in seven new additions, including five on permanent deals. Wagner has offered Birmingham significant financial backing ever since he took over two and a half years ago, and that is showing no sign of slowing down.
Attacking-minded left-back Kai Wagner was the first to join as he arrived from Philadelphia Union, before Jhon Solis (loan from Girona), Ibrahim Osman (loan from Brighton & Hove Albion), August Priske (£6 million from Djurgardens), Carlos Vicente (£7 million from Alaves) and Jonathan Panzo (undisclosed from Rio Ave) signed in at St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park.
Jermaine Pennant criticises Birmingham City transfer approach
The general consensus from the fanbase and pundits alike was that it had been a tremendous window for Birmingham and a real sign of intent that promotion to the Premier League is still possible this season. But that’s not how ex-Blues winger Pennant sees it.
Pennant, who racked up 60 appearances for Birmingham between 2005 and 2006, reckons his former side shouldn’t have focused on bringing in marquee players as they did. Instead, the attention should have turned to Championship-proven talent.
Speaking exclusively to Birmingham World via BetSelect, Pennant said: “In the Championship, you need players who know how to handle the league. It’s no good buying a few marquee players and hoping they’re good enough to carry the rest of the squad through, because it doesn’t work.
“You need a solid Championship squad that is worthy of gaining promotion. Once you get into the Premier League, that is when you bring the marquee players in.”
Pennant, albeit still in disagreement with Birmingham’s transfer approach, does at least see some of the sense in it. “They obviously have a plan with regards to bringing big names in and splashing the cash,” Pennant added.
“I think it’s a long-term project and it won’t be all doom and gloom if they don’t go up this season. If they’re in the Championship next year, they’ll spend even more to strengthen the squad.”
Birmingham will be eyeing play-off spot
Despite not quite aligning with Birmingham’s winter transfer business, Pennant does believe his former side will have their sights set on a top-six finish this season. Blues are currently 13th in the Championship and five points outside the target positions.
“Birmingham will be hoping to go up via the play-offs,” continued Pennant. “Anyone can win in the play-offs. We’ve seen teams finish sixth and get promoted, and on the other hand we’ve seen teams like Leeds be clear of the rest in third and not go up. Once you’re in, you are only three wins away from the Premier League.
“They’ll have their sights set on a top six finish now. The Championship is so unpredictable, though. One minute you can be mid-table, then go on a four-game winning streak, and suddenly you’re second. That’s what the Championship is all about.”