Birmingham City deal collapses as player heads for Middlesbrough

Birmingham City’s pursuit of Jeremy Sarmiento has fallen apart, with the winger now expected to complete a move to Middlesbrough instead, according to reports from TMW.

Once again, the transfer window has delivered a familiar mix of promise and frustration for Birmingham City. Just as the club appeared to be gaining momentum after navigating the drawn-out Abdoulie Manneh situation and smoothly wrapping up the August Priske deal, another potential signing has slipped through their fingers. Jhon Solis did arrive during this period, but along the way, Birmingham seemingly lost ground in their efforts to secure Carlos Vicente. Now, the collapse of the Sarmiento move adds another twist to an already unpredictable window.

Jeremy Sarmiento’s situation had developed quickly over the past week. The Ecuador international has been on Brighton & Hove Albion’s books since 2021, yet he has never truly settled on the south coast. Instead, his career has been characterised by a series of loan spells designed to provide him with regular football and aid his development. His previous temporary moves took him to West Bromwich Albion, Ipswich Town, and Burnley, offering a variety of experiences across English football.

This summer, however, a different path was chosen. With Cremonese earning promotion to Serie A via the Serie B play-offs, Brighton sanctioned a loan move to Italy, hoping a change of environment might reignite Sarmiento’s progress. In reality, the spell has been a major disappointment. The 23-year-old has struggled badly for opportunities, accumulating fewer than 140 minutes of playing time in total. Even more concerning, he has not featured at all since November, effectively freezing his development at a crucial stage of his career.

Given those circumstances, a January exit became inevitable. Middlesbrough were among the first clubs linked with an interest in bringing Sarmiento back to England, but momentum soon appeared to shift towards Birmingham City. Reports suggested the Midlands club had positioned themselves as the winger’s route out of an unhappy situation in Italy, and the deal was widely described as being close to completion.

So advanced did the negotiations seem that Italian media outlets, particularly those focused on Cremonese, were already treating Sarmiento’s departure as a formality. One such report was openly dismissive, effectively bidding farewell to the player while welcoming the financial relief his exit would bring by freeing up space on the wage bill. From the outside, it looked like Birmingham had won the race.

However, the optimism did not last. Raffaele Amato, one of the journalists who initially reported on the move, has now revealed that the transfer hit an unexpected obstacle. According to Amato, although the clubs had reached an agreement in principle, the deal stalled when Birmingham City attempted to alter the financial structure of the move. Specifically, he stated: “After the clubs reached an agreement, the deal has blocked for now. Birmingham City wanted to change the payment terms.”

While the exact details remain unclear, the implication is that Birmingham sought to renegotiate aspects of the financial arrangement with Brighton, who ultimately control Sarmiento’s future. Those revised terms appear to have been unacceptable, leading to the breakdown of negotiations.

With Birmingham stepping back, Middlesbrough have moved swiftly to capitalise. TMW now report that Sarmiento is set to return to English football with the Teesside club, bringing an end to Birmingham’s hopes of securing the winger. For Middlesbrough, the move represents an opportunity to add a talented but underused player eager to prove himself after a difficult spell abroad.

For Birmingham City, the collapse of the deal is another reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in the transfer market. What once looked like a near-certain addition has instead turned into another missed opportunity, reinforcing the sense that this window has been defined as much by what might have been as by what has actually been achieved.

Adam Armstrong exit fears grow as major transfer bombshell rocks Southampton

Reports emerging late on Monday have sparked serious speculation around the future of Southampton talisman Adam Armstrong, with suggestions that the club could be bracing itself for a major blow before the winter transfer window closes.

According to journalist Rudy Galetti, writing on X, Armstrong is weighing up his options and could potentially depart St Mary’s in the remaining weeks of the January window. The update has landed at a sensitive moment for Southampton and head coach Tonda Eckert, who is already under growing pressure despite only being confirmed in the role on a permanent basis at the beginning of last month.

Losing Armstrong would represent a significant setback for Saints. Over the past decade, the forward has established himself as one of the Championship’s most reliable goalscorers, and he has once again been delivering in front of goal this season despite Southampton’s ongoing struggles following a disastrous Premier League campaign last year.

That top-flight season proved brutal for the club, with Saints collecting just 12 points from 38 matches and suffering relegation in emphatic fashion. Yet even amid the fallout, Armstrong has continued to shoulder responsibility, remaining a central figure in the side and consistently leading the line.

The former Newcastle United academy graduate featured from the start in Saturday’s 2-1 home defeat to Hull City, a result that extended Southampton’s winless league run to seven matches. While the club currently sits in mid-table, the gap to the play-off positions is not yet beyond reach. A strong run of form, similar to the one enjoyed during Eckert’s interim spell following Will Still’s dismissal in early November, could still reignite their promotion hopes.

However, Southampton now find themselves entering a decisive period of the season. They are in the middle of a demanding three-match Championship week, beginning with Wednesday night’s home clash against Sheffield United. That is followed by a fiercely contested South Coast derby away to Portsmouth at Fratton Park on Sunday lunchtime. With momentum desperately needed, uncertainty surrounding Armstrong’s future could not have come at a worse time.

The timing of the report is particularly unsettling, arriving just over 24 hours before Saints face Chris Wilder’s Blades. It raises questions over how involved Armstrong will be in the upcoming fixtures and whether transfer speculation could distract from preparations at a critical juncture.

Armstrong has become a constant presence at St Mary’s during one of the most turbulent eras in the club’s recent history. He joined Southampton in the summer of 2021, signing from Blackburn Rovers in a deal reportedly worth £15 million during Ralph Hasenhuttl’s tenure. His debut campaign was a frustrating one, yielding just two goals across all competitions, but patience eventually paid off.

Since then, Armstrong has grown into a leader and a key attacking figure. Across all competitions, he has made 172 appearances for Saints, scoring 43 goals and registering 23 assists. His most prolific season came two years ago in the Championship under Russell Martin, when Southampton successfully bounced back to the Premier League at the first attempt.

That campaign saw Armstrong score 21 league goals, before adding three more in the play-offs. His decisive strike in the final against Leeds United at Wembley remains one of the standout moments of Southampton’s recent history, sealing promotion and cementing his status as a club favourite.

The subsequent return to the Premier League proved far less enjoyable. Southampton struggled badly, and relegation followed swiftly. Yet despite the disappointment, Armstrong remained part of the club’s plans. Will Still confirmed as much before his departure, and Eckert has continued to rely heavily on the striker since taking charge.

This season, Armstrong has featured in 30 matches across the Championship, FA Cup and EFL Cup. He currently sits joint-top of the Championship scoring charts with 11 goals, alongside Swansea City’s Zan Vipotnik, and has also contributed four assists. In a team that has often lacked fluency and confidence, his output has been invaluable.

Recent reports had already suggested that Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers were monitoring Armstrong’s situation, given their own struggles in front of goal. Galetti’s latest update has added further weight to the idea that the striker may be considering a new chapter in his career.

Notably, the wording of the report hinted that Armstrong could be open to a move beyond England. After spending the bulk of his career in the English game, the 28-year-old is said to be “assessing the next step” in his journey, which could potentially involve a switch to continental Europe or even a move overseas.

From Southampton’s perspective, losing Armstrong would create a glaring problem. Outside of his 11 goals, Saints have found it difficult to generate consistent attacking threat. Eckert recently allowed Damion Downs to leave on loan for Hamburg SV in a deal that includes an option to buy, further thinning attacking options.

Ross Stewart has only just returned to fitness and marked his comeback with a goal against Hull City, while Cameron Archer has struggled to rediscover his best form. Without Armstrong, Southampton’s attacking depth would look worryingly thin for a side still harbouring ambitions of pushing towards the play-offs.

Armstrong’s contract situation adds another layer to the equation. With just under 18 months remaining on his current deal, Southampton are not under immediate pressure to sell, but the window does represent an opportunity to secure a substantial fee. Given his importance in terms of goals, experience and leadership — he has captained the side on numerous occasions this season — any decision to allow him to leave would be highly controversial.

Supporters are already frustrated with ownership group Sport Republic following recent struggles on and off the pitch. Sanctioning the departure of one of the club’s most consistent performers, particularly in the middle of a difficult season, would likely intensify that discontent.

For now, Armstrong remains a Southampton player, and much could change before the transfer deadline. But with speculation growing and crucial fixtures looming, the uncertainty surrounding his future has added yet another layer of tension to an already delicate situation at St Mary’s. Whether Saints can steady the ship — and whether Armstrong remains part of that journey — could define the remainder of their season.

Southampton winger closing in on exit as loan deal nears completion

Southampton winger Ryan Fraser appears set to bring his time at St Mary’s to an end, with the experienced wide man edging closer to a surprise loan switch to Australia. The 31-year-old is currently in the country as discussions progress over a temporary move to A-League side Western Sydney Wanderers.

Fraser has not featured for the Saints since their Boxing Day defeat to Oxford United, and with his contract due to expire at the end of the season, uncertainty has surrounded his future for several months. While a permanent departure in the summer has long seemed inevitable, it now looks increasingly likely that the Scotland international has already played his final match for Southampton.

Reports from the Daily Echo indicate that negotiations are at an advanced stage, with Fraser expected to join Western Sydney Wanderers on loan until the end of the campaign. His presence in Australia suggests the agreement is close to being finalised, and the deal is viewed as a significant capture for the struggling A-League outfit.

For Western Sydney, Fraser’s arrival would represent a major boost during a difficult season. The Wanderers currently sit second from bottom of the league table after 13 matches and have struggled for consistency and attacking threat. Bringing in a player with Fraser’s Premier League and Championship experience could provide a much-needed lift both on and off the pitch.

From Southampton’s perspective, the move also makes clear sense. Allowing Fraser to leave on loan would ease the club’s wage bill ahead of his expected free transfer departure in the summer. Head coach Tonda Eckert appears comfortable with his current options in the right wing-back role, particularly following the return of James Bree, who rejoined the club after spending the first half of the season on loan at Charlton Athletic.

Fraser’s lack of involvement in recent weeks has underlined his reduced role within the squad, and the writing has been on the wall regarding his future for some time. With Eckert reshaping his team and prioritising other areas of the pitch, the winger has found himself surplus to requirements.

For Fraser himself, the proposed switch represents an opportunity to experience a new footballing environment at a key stage in his career. While the move may come as a surprise to some supporters, it offers the chance for regular minutes and a fresh challenge before he becomes a free agent later in the year.

Regular game time was always likely to be a major factor in Fraser’s thinking, especially after being frozen out of the matchday squad in recent weeks. A loan move abroad allows him to remain sharp, rebuild momentum, and potentially put himself in the shop window ahead of the summer transfer market.

Southampton, meanwhile, are unlikely to feel the impact of his departure during the remainder of the season. Eckert has several alternatives capable of filling the wide right position, including Bree, Elias Jelert and Tom Fellows, all of whom offer different attributes within the system.

While Fraser’s exit appears imminent, attention now turns to other areas of the squad that require strengthening before the transfer window closes. The Saints have been keen to create space both financially and within the squad, and Fraser’s loan move could help facilitate further business.

Eckert will hope that the winger’s departure allows Southampton to bring in reinforcements where they are most needed, particularly as the club looks to push on during the second half of the campaign. With Fraser no longer part of the manager’s plans, all parties seem to benefit from a move that provides clarity and opportunity.

As the final details are ironed out, Fraser’s Australian adventure looks set to begin, marking a new chapter for the veteran winger and drawing the curtain on his Southampton spell sooner than many may have expected.

Declan Rice reacts with six-word message as Middlesbrough seal transfer

Arsenal and England midfielder Declan Rice has publicly shown his support for newly signed Middlesbrough defender Finley Munroe after the youngster completed his move to the Riverside Stadium. Rice, who is Munroe’s cousin, posted a short but heartfelt six-word message following the confirmation of the transfer.

Munroe has officially joined Middlesbrough on a four-and-a-half-year contract after Boro agreed a £300,000 deal with Aston Villa. The defender’s loan spell at League Two side Swindon Town was brought to an early end to allow the move to go through, with Middlesbrough moving swiftly to secure a player they believe has significant long-term potential.

The 20-year-old has been one of Swindon’s standout performers during the first half of the season, earning widespread praise for his consistency, creativity, and maturity despite his age. That form caught the attention of Boro’s recruitment team, who see Munroe as a player capable of stepping up to Championship level while still having plenty of room to develop.

Declan Rice believes that Arsenal can go all the way this season.(Image: 2026 The Arsenal Football Club Plc)

Although Munroe is most closely associated with Aston Villa, where he continued his development after leaving Chelsea at the age of 16, his football journey has already shown resilience and adaptability. After being released by Chelsea, the young defender moved to the Midlands and rebuilt his career, eventually earning a professional pathway that has now led him to Teesside.

Rice’s public reaction to the transfer underlined the close family connection between the two players. Responding to an Instagram post in which Munroe expressed his excitement about joining what he described as a “huge club,” the Arsenal midfielder shared the message on his social media, writing: “Go time cuz! Proud of you!” The brief post reflected both encouragement and pride as Munroe takes a major step forward in his career.

Munroe is expected to link up immediately with Middlesbrough’s first-team squad and will travel with the group to the Midlands ahead of their upcoming Championship fixture against West Bromwich Albion. He will be available for selection and could even be handed his debut, depending on how the coaching staff decide to use him.

One advantage for Boro is that Munroe does not need to be registered in the EFL squad list for the remainder of January due to his age. That flexibility is particularly valuable given Middlesbrough’s ongoing injury issues in defensive areas, which have stretched resources at the back throughout the season. His arrival adds immediate depth while also providing a long-term option the club can develop carefully.

During his time at Swindon Town, Munroe demonstrated impressive attacking output for a defender. Across 27 appearances in all competitions during the first half of the campaign, he contributed two goals and nine assists. That level of productivity, combined with his defensive reliability, helped establish him as one of the most effective young full-backs in League Two.

Middlesbrough believe those numbers are not a fluke and feel Munroe has the tools to adapt quickly to Championship football. While he may initially be eased into the side, the club’s assessment is that he is already capable of competing for minutes at first-team level, particularly given the current demands on the squad.

The move also reflects Boro’s broader transfer strategy, which focuses on identifying young players with upside rather than relying solely on established names. By moving early to secure Munroe’s signature, Middlesbrough have positioned themselves to benefit both immediately and in the long term, whether through on-field contributions or future value.

For Munroe, the transfer represents a significant opportunity to test himself at a higher level while continuing his development in a competitive environment. With family support from one of England’s top midfielders and belief from his new club, the defender arrives on Teesside with confidence and momentum.

As Middlesbrough push through a demanding part of the Championship season, Munroe’s addition could prove timely. Whether he features right away or is gradually introduced, Boro will hope his talent, versatility, and maturity translate quickly as he begins the next chapter of his career.