Middlesbrough and Birmingham City eye move for midfielder previously linked with Hull.

Middlesbrough and Birmingham City have reportedly emerged as potential destinations for Lorient midfielder Arthur Avom, whose name was previously linked with Hull City during the summer transfer window. The two Championship promotion contenders are said to be considering a move for the Cameroon international, as interest in the highly rated young midfielder begins to gather attention again.

Avom has been a regular presence for Lorient in Ligue 1 this season, featuring in every league match for the French club. His consistency has helped put him on the radar of clubs outside France, with Middlesbrough and Birmingham now credited with interest in securing his services.

The 21-year-old was linked with a move to Yorkshire during the summer, when Hull City were reportedly monitoring his situation. However, that potential switch to the Premier League did not materialise, leaving Avom at Lorient. The latest reports suggest that the midfielder could once again attract attention, this time from two clubs competing near the top of the Championship.

Arthur Avom plies his trade in Ligue 1 with Lorient. | FRANCK FIFE / AFP via Getty Images

Middlesbrough and Birmingham enter the picture

According to Football League World, Middlesbrough are among the clubs interested in Avom and are plotting what would be an ambitious move. Birmingham City are also said to be monitoring the midfielder, setting up the possibility of competition between two sides with promotion ambitions.

Avom’s contractual situation could make him an appealing target. His current deal with Lorient is due to expire at the end of the 2026/27 season, meaning the French club may face a decision over his future as that date approaches. For interested teams, the prospect of securing a 21-year-old with top-flight experience on favourable terms could be attractive.

Avom is primarily a central midfielder, but his versatility is one of the qualities that could appeal to potential suitors. He can operate in a deeper role as a defensive anchor, helping protect the back line and dictate play from central areas. He is also capable of taking on a more progressive position, contributing to attacks and helping his team move forward.

His record at Lorient provides an indication of the experience he has already gained. Avom has made 77 appearances for the club, scoring four goals and supplying seven assists. Those figures reflect a midfielder whose contribution is not limited to defensive duties, while his ability to perform different roles could give a manager additional options.

A potential challenge for the Championship clubs

Convincing Avom to leave French football for the Championship may not be straightforward. He is playing regularly in Ligue 1 and has established himself as an important member of Lorient’s team. Any interested club would need to present a convincing sporting opportunity if it hopes to persuade him to make the move.

Nevertheless, Middlesbrough and Birmingham have both demonstrated considerable ambition through investment in their squads. Their current positions also underline why they may be looking to strengthen further. The two clubs are occupying the top two places in the Championship, making them direct competitors in the promotion race.

Birmingham moved to the top of the table over the weekend after Middlesbrough were held to a goalless draw by Watford. The result was frustrating for Boro manager Kim Hellberg, particularly because he believed his team had created enough opportunities to win.

Hellberg was pleased with the way his side had approached the opening 14 matches of the campaign, highlighting their bravery and the points they had collected. However, he was unhappy with the performance at Wrexham and stressed that the energy shown against Watford had been important.

His disappointment was clear when discussing the final score. Despite praising the attacking moves and chances his players had produced, he felt the failure to turn those opportunities into goals had cost Middlesbrough the victory. The 0-0 result left him angry because he believed the performance offered enough to take all three points.

The draw also allowed Birmingham to move above Boro, adding another detail to the increasingly close contest between the clubs. Both sides will be aware that maintaining their positions requires consistency, and the possibility of adding a player such as Avom may be appealing as they look to sustain their promotion challenges.

Avom’s next move remains uncertain

Arthur Avom represents Cameroon at international level. | SAEED KHAN / AFP via Getty Images

For now, the midfielder’s future is unresolved. His regular involvement for Lorient, international status with Cameroon and ability to play in more than one central role make him an interesting name for clubs seeking quality in midfield. The previous Hull City links show that interest from English football is not entirely new.

Middlesbrough and Birmingham are now being associated with the player, but the reports do not confirm that either club is close to completing a deal. With Avom contracted until the end of the 2026/27 campaign, Lorient retain a position in determining what happens next.

The coming months could therefore be important in establishing whether the Championship pair turn their reported interest into concrete action. For now, both clubs remain linked with a midfielder who has attracted attention through his consistent Ligue 1 appearances and his versatility currently.