Millwall's 'attempt' to hijack Birmingham transfer as 'negotiation' fact emerges

Birmingham City interim boss Gary Rowett has revealed defensive midfielder Krystian Bielik was a transfer target for Millwall.

The Poland native, capable of playing as a central defender or a midfield anchor, was highly commended by Rowett throughout his time at The Den. Discussions were even had with the player and his agent to try and manufacture a move to east London but Birmingham was the chosen destination.

“I had a conversation with him before he came to Blues,” Rowett said via Birmingham Live. “He’s a player we would have liked to have signed. You can see the type of player he is, he gives you great flexibility in the squad. You can play different formations with a player like that.

“His biggest challenge has always been the same, he suffered some injuries at the start of his career and sometimes it’s hard to find that rhythm, but he has felt that here and got into that rhythm. I see him as a big, big player for these final games,” Rowett continued.

Millwall weren’t the only club attempting a hijack from under Blues’ noses as several other Sky Bet Championship sides were keen. But Bielik’s loan spell at St Andrew’s throughout the 2022/23 campaign gave him a taste of what it’s like to be a Birmingham player – and he ultimately hasn’t looked back.

The 11-time Poland international has already racked up an impressive 83 appearances across all competitions for Blues, beating the 49 games he played for Derby County and the 34 for Charlton Athletic. Bielik has also turned out for Arsenal and Legia Warsaw in the past.