Birmingham City near loan swoop for Brighton winger following difficult French stint

Birmingham City are edging closer to completing a loan move for Brighton & Hove Albion forward Ibrahim Osman after the winger endured a challenging spell in France, sources have indicated.

The Championship side are in advanced discussions to bring the 21-year-old to St Andrew’s for the remainder of the season, with Brighton planning to recall him from his current loan at Auxerre before sanctioning a switch back to English football. The move is seen as an opportunity to provide Osman with more consistent game time following a frustrating campaign in Ligue 1.

Osman has found regular minutes hard to come by at Auxerre this season. Although he featured in 16 matches across all competitions under Christophe Pélissier, he was named in the starting line-up on just seven occasions. Despite the limited opportunities, the Ghana international managed to contribute two assists, though his overall impact was restricted by the stop-start nature of his involvement.

Brighton invested heavily to secure Osman’s services in 2024, beating off strong competition from other clubs to sign him from Danish outfit Nordsjaelland for a fee believed to be around £16 million. Prior to his move to the south coast, Osman had built a reputation as one of the most exciting young wide players in Scandinavia, which prompted Brighton to move quickly to secure his signature.

Following his arrival, Osman was immediately sent out on loan to gain further experience, spending last season with Feyenoord. During his time in the Netherlands, he featured regularly, making 32 appearances in all competitions and gaining valuable exposure at both domestic and European levels. That spell was widely viewed as a positive step in his development.

However, his subsequent move to France has proved more difficult. Brighton are now hopeful that a return to England and a stint in the Championship will better suit Osman’s playing style and accelerate his progress. The physical demands and intensity of the second tier are expected to offer a different challenge and potentially reignite his confidence after a testing few months.

For Birmingham City, the potential arrival of Osman would represent another statement addition during a busy January transfer window. The Blues currently sit 14th in the Championship standings, but head coach Chris Davies is optimistic that recent recruitment could fuel a late push towards the play-off places.

Birmingham have already strengthened their squad with the loan signing of midfielder Jhon Solis from Girona, while experienced left-back Kai Wagner has arrived from MLS side Philadelphia Union. The club’s recent business suggests a clear intent to improve depth and quality across key areas of the pitch.

The proposed deal for Osman is also linked to a wider reshuffle involving Brighton. Birmingham recently allowed defender Eiran Cashin to return to the Seagulls after an underwhelming spell at St Andrew’s. Brighton subsequently opted to send the Irish centre-back out on loan again, this time to Blackburn Rovers, in the hope that regular minutes will aid his development.

Cashin and Osman are among several Brighton players whose loan situations have been reassessed this season. Facundo Buonanotte’s temporary move to Chelsea was also cut short after the Argentine struggled for playing time, leading to a switch to Leeds United for the rest of the campaign.

Elsewhere, young forward Yoon Doyoung has been loaned to Dutch Eerste Divisie side FC Dordrecht after finding opportunities limited at Excelsior. These moves underline Brighton’s proactive approach to managing their young talent, ensuring players are placed in environments where they can gain meaningful minutes and continue their development.

Birmingham City hit with almost €20m asking price amid ongoing talks

Birmingham City have continued to make headlines in the January transfer window after confirming the arrival of Girona midfielder Jhon Solís, but their business in Spain may not stop there. Attention has now turned to Deportivo Alavés winger Carlos Vicente, with negotiations understood to be ongoing as the Spanish side hold firm on a valuation close to €20 million.

The Blues confirmed Solís’ signing earlier today, following reports from Spain late last week that the Colombian youngster had already completed his medical. Girona were keen to push the deal through quickly, a factor that helped Birmingham finalise the move without delay. With that transfer wrapped up, focus has shifted to what could be a far more complex pursuit involving Alavés and one of their key attacking players.

Reports earlier this week from Marca revealed Birmingham’s strong interest in Carlos Vicente, suggesting the Championship club had already submitted a sizeable offer despite Alavés’ reluctance to part with the 26-year-old during the winter window. That story has now been expanded upon by El Correo, a well-connected Basque newspaper closely linked to developments at Alavés.

According to El Correo, Birmingham’s admiration for Vicente is not new. The club are said to have made contact over a potential deal as far back as last summer, underlining that this is not a sudden or opportunistic move. Despite Birmingham currently sitting 14th in the Championship table, their interest has been described as “unusual” from a Spanish perspective, largely because of the financial power English second-tier clubs now wield.

The report highlights Birmingham’s growing reputation as a club with “ample financial muscle,” a point that continues to frustrate many in Spain, where La Liga sides often struggle to compete with Championship budgets. That financial strength is central to why Birmingham believe a deal could be possible, even if the asking price remains extremely high.

Carlos Vicente is not considered untouchable at Alavés, but the club are clear that they will not sanction a January exit without a major offer. The winger is under contract until 2027 and has a release clause set at €20 million. While Alavés are not necessarily demanding the full clause to be met, they are reportedly seeking a figure close to that valuation if they are to consider selling mid-season.

Alavés signed Vicente for just €600,000 in January 2024, meaning any sale in this region would represent an enormous profit. El Correo states that the club are open to negotiations but have no intention of drastically lowering their demands. The report also references interest from other, unnamed clubs, a detail that may be designed to strengthen Alavés’ negotiating position and increase pressure on Birmingham.

Carlos Vicente of Deportivo Alaves with the ball during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Deportivo Alaves and CA Osasuna at Estadio de Mendizorrotza on May 24, 2025 in Vitoria, Spain

From a sporting perspective, the timing of Birmingham’s interest could work in their favour. Vicente’s role at Alavés has diminished under head coach Eduardo Coudet, who is understood to prefer a winger with stronger link-up play rather than Vicente’s more direct, vertical style. While the Aragonese winger is known for his pace, dribbling, and ability to attack defenders one-on-one, those attributes do not fully align with Coudet’s tactical preferences.

As a result, Vicente has seen a noticeable reduction in his starting opportunities, despite producing solid numbers this season. He has registered nine goals and three assists, contributions that underline his effectiveness even when not consistently starting matches. According to El Correo, these same qualities that make him less suited to Coudet’s system are precisely what appeal to clubs in England, where high tempo, direct play is often valued.

This context has led to speculation that Alavés could be willing to cash in if the right offer arrives. Coudet is reportedly keen to bring in a winger with a different profile, which could further open the door to Vicente’s departure. Birmingham, aware of this situation, may see an opportunity to negotiate from a position of relative strength.

Carlos Vicente of Deportivo Alaves looks on during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Athletic Club v Deportivo Alaves at Estadio San Mames on May 11, 2025 in Bilbao, Spain

That said, a fee close to €20 million would be a significant outlay for a Championship side, even one with strong financial backing. While Birmingham have shown ambition in the market, paying anything near the release clause would represent a major statement of intent. As such, it is widely believed that any eventual deal would require compromise on both sides.

Alavés appear determined to maximise their return, while Birmingham will be looking to drive the price down to a more realistic level. The gap between valuation and what the Blues are willing to pay is likely to define negotiations over the coming days or weeks.

In summary, a move for Carlos Vicente is not off the table, but it remains complicated. Birmingham’s financial strength, Vicente’s reduced role under Coudet, and the player’s proven output all point towards a transfer being possible. However, Alavés’ insistence on a fee close to €20 million means the two clubs will need to find common ground if the deal is to progress. For now, talks continue, with Birmingham clearly pushing hard to add another high-profile signing to their winter rebuild.

Frank Lampard responds to Coventry City links with £40k-a-week Premier League midfielder amid Birmingham interest

Frank Lampard has offered a measured response to speculation linking Coventry City with a move for Brentford midfielder Frank Onyeka, as the Sky Blues weigh up their options during a crucial January transfer window that could define their push for promotion. With Birmingham City also monitoring the situation, Coventry’s interest in the £40,000-a-week Premier League midfielder has become a growing talking point.

The January window presents Coventry with a valuable chance to strengthen their squad as they battle at the top end of the Championship table. Lampard’s side are firmly in the hunt for promotion and are eager to close the gap on automatic promotion rivals Ipswich Town and Middlesbrough. Having already dipped into the loan market, the Coventry boss is carefully assessing whether further reinforcements are needed to sustain a title challenge in the second half of the season.

Coventry have already been active, bringing in two exciting young wingers on temporary deals. Yang Min-Hyeok arrived from Tottenham Hotspur, while Romain Esse joined from Crystal Palace, both moves aimed at adding pace and creativity out wide. Attention has now turned to the centre of the pitch, where a midfield addition could provide extra balance, depth, and experience as the campaign intensifies.

The Sky Blues’ recent 1-0 defeat to Stoke City in the FA Cup third round means their focus is now solely on league matters. With no further cup distractions, Lampard can fully concentrate on fine-tuning his squad for the Championship run-in, making the coming weeks particularly significant.

At the centre of the speculation is Frank Onyeka, a 28-year-old midfielder currently at Brentford. Onyeka has found opportunities limited in the Premier League this season, making just six appearances for the Bees. Despite that, his pedigree remains strong. On the international stage, he played a role in Nigeria’s run to the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals, where they were eventually eliminated on penalties by host nation Morocco.

Reports, including those from the Daily Mail, suggest that both Coventry City and Birmingham City are exploring the possibility of securing Onyeka on loan before the transfer window closes. Birmingham’s interest adds a layer of competition, particularly given their own ambitions to climb the Championship table and re-establish themselves as promotion contenders.

Onyeka’s situation at Brentford is not new. Last season, he spent the campaign on loan at Bundesliga side Augsburg, where he was a regular presence in midfield. Across all competitions, he made 34 appearances, gaining valuable experience in one of Europe’s most competitive leagues. However, upon returning to Brentford, he has struggled to cement a place in Thomas Frank’s plans, prompting speculation over another temporary move.

Speaking to Coventry Live, Lampard was asked directly about the club’s reported interest in Onyeka. While careful not to give too much away, the former Chelsea boss acknowledged the broader context of strengthening the squad without committing to any specific deal.

“I don’t want to give you the generic answer because I feel like I keep giving it to you,” Lampard said. “But when I look at the team, if we can strengthen anywhere, and this is the generic answer, then I think it is something we should look at. But I am happy with my midfield.”

Lampard’s comments reflect both satisfaction with his current options and an openness to improvement if the right opportunity presents itself. Coventry’s midfield has been one of their strongest assets this season, contributing significantly to their promotion credentials.

Victor Torp has emerged as a key figure, offering goals, assists, and intelligent movement from midfield. Jack Rudoni has also been influential, providing attacking threat and energy, while Matt Grimes has been a model of consistency. Grimes, in particular, has acted as the heartbeat of the team, controlling tempo and providing leadership in the centre of the park.

Given that strength, any potential addition would need to enhance the group rather than disrupt its balance. Onyeka’s profile suggests he could do just that. With experience across the Premier League, Bundesliga, and Danish football, he brings a level of versatility and physicality that could prove invaluable during the demanding final months of the Championship season.

Statistically, Onyeka’s loan spell at Augsburg highlighted his effectiveness. According to FotMob, he completed 834 successful passes during his time in Germany, underlining his reliability in possession. He also won 166 duels, showcasing the tenacity and defensive awareness that could complement Coventry’s existing midfield options. Such qualities could allow Grimes and others greater freedom, while adding steel in high-pressure fixtures.

As the season enters a critical phase, Coventry face a series of important matches against a variety of opponents. Promotion chasers Millwall, relegation-threatened Norwich City, and play-off hopefuls Queens Park Rangers all lie ahead, each presenting different tactical challenges. Navigating those fixtures successfully will require depth, consistency, and resilience.

Looking further ahead, Coventry are already aware of the significance of their upcoming showdown with Middlesbrough, one of their main rivals for automatic promotion. Having already lost twice this season to Ipswich Town, Lampard’s side know they cannot afford many more slip-ups against fellow contenders.

Whether or not Onyeka arrives at the CBS Arena remains to be seen. Brentford are open to loan offers, but competition from Birmingham City and the player’s own preferences could influence the outcome. For now, Lampard appears content to bide his time, confident in his current midfield but alert to any opportunity that could give Coventry an edge.

As January progresses, Coventry supporters will be watching closely to see if the club make another move in the market. With promotion firmly in sight, every decision carries added weight, and the potential addition of a Premier League-tested midfielder like Frank Onyeka could yet prove decisive in the race to reach the top flight.