Birmingham City’s hopes of signing defender assessed as Championship clubs circle

Cody Drameh is expected to remain in the Championship following his loan spell at Birmingham City.Cody Drameh is expected to remain in the Championship following his loan spell at Birmingham City.
Cody Drameh is expected to remain in the Championship following his loan spell at Birmingham City. | Getty Images
Birmingham City have been dealt a blow in their hopes to re-sign a defender following a decision from Leeds United.

Blues are highly unlikely to sign Cody Drameh permanently after his season-long loan from Leeds , even despite the exciting acquisition of former Celtic and Liverpool man Chris Davies as manager.

The right-back was on track to cement his stay at St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park but two factors have since interrupted things. Birmingham’s relegation to League One is the main disruptor, while Leeds have recently offered Drameh a new deal following the expiration of his contract.

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Although unexpected to agree to new terms at Elland Road, the offer is bound to increase Drameh’s confidence. It’s also acted as a reminder to a host of Championship clubs keen on acquiring his services, effectively ending Blues’ chances of signing him long-term.

Premier League trio Brentford, Crystal Palace and West Ham United were even sniffing around before Drameh joined Birmingham last summer, so a drop to League One is mightily unlikely. Of course, his loan wasn’t too successful so top-tier sides probably won’t swoop, but his stock definitely remains higher in the pyramid.

Drameh’s presence will be missed by Birmingham

Able to play anywhere across the defence, Drameh’s versatility came in handy for Blues last term. He fell out of favour when Gary Rowett arrived, however, as he often watched on as Ethan Laird and Lee Buchanan started instead. That period of reduced game time probably won’t do Blues any favours either.

Cody Drameh is expected to remain in the Championship following his loan spell at Birmingham City.Cody Drameh is expected to remain in the Championship following his loan spell at Birmingham City.
Cody Drameh is expected to remain in the Championship following his loan spell at Birmingham City. | Getty Images

Drameh, still just 23 years of age, played 30 times for Birmingham last season with 28 of those appearances in the Championship. The defender never scored for Blues but he did contribute four assists. He was also gave his all every time he donned the Royal Blue.

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