Birmingham finalise deal to sign player who next manager candidate is a big fan of
Birmingham City are closing in on a deal to sign Philadelphia Union left-back Kai Wagner in the coming days.
Football Insider revealed in December that Birmingham are looking to sign a striker, a left-back and a midfielder over the next month.
What is likely interfering with decisions over specific targets, however, is the impending change of manager at St Andrew’s.
Chris Davies is under massive pressure at Birmingham, having failed to lead his side to any wins over the last six Championship fixtures.
Michael Carrick is among the candidates to take over at Birmingham, in a list that has seen several high-profile names emerge.
Potential manager Jesse Marsch tried to sign Kai Wagner
Jesse Marsch has been linked with the Birmingham job in recent weeks, with the American yet to return to club management since leaving Leeds United in 2023.
The 52-year-old is currently the head coach of Canada’s national team and could lead them in next year’s World Cup, where they will be a co-host.
Marsch started out in the MLS before coaching both Red Bull Salzburg and RB Leipzig, earning a reputation there for his progressive style of play.
When Marcelo Bielsa left Leeds in 2022, the American was appointed and helped the Whites avoid relegation at the end of the season.
The following season, however, he would be sacked in February after leaving his team 17th in the Premier League table.
In the summer of 2022, Leeds had attempted to sign Wagner, with Ben Jacobs reporting at the time that Marsch was driving the move.
A move would ultimately fail to materialise, but the 52-year-old could now have a second chance to manage the defender, should he be appointed by Birmingham.
Jose Roberto Nunez reported on Wednesday night that Birmingham are finalising a deal to sign Wagner.
Wagner has already spoken about European ambitions
Wagner, a forward-thinking full-back, has been with Philadelphia Union since 2019, when he moved from German side Wurzburger Kickers.
Over the course of 201 MLS appearances, the German has provided 46 assists and has spoken about his dreams of a return to Europe.
Speaking in 2020, Wagner said: “In February I will already be 24, so I also think that I will have to move on soon.
“I have left an impression here and I am ready for one of the top three leagues in Europe. Bundesliga, Premier League or Spain, whatever.
“I want to be a regular player there and maybe even make the step to the national team.”
That move had not come true, until now, it would appear. Birmingham will not yet provide Wagner with Premier League football, but it could well be down the line.