Birmingham City manager Chris Davies has not entirely ruled out re-signing Ibrahim Osman, but the club is having to wait on Brighton & Hove Albion's decision regarding the 21-year-old Ghanaian winger.
Osman's future uncertain as Brighton consider options
Osman impressed during a loan spell at Birmingham City last season and has continued to catch the eye since returning to Brighton for pre-season. Seagulls manager Fabian Hurzeler has spoken highly of the player, who could feature in a campaign that includes regular European football. Brighton face Tromso in the first leg of a Europa Conference League play-off on the night of the update.
Two weeks ago, Davies admitted that a deal for Osman was looking 'less likely', and his stance has not changed. “I haven't heard anything different,” Davies said. “I'm a big fan, he did great for us. He's obviously made a positive impression back there at Brighton.”
“I don't know definitively until the window shuts, you never quite know, but he's definitely a player that did really well and we'll see how it goes in the next 10 days,” Davies added.
Blues prioritise permanent deals over loans
Birmingham City are having to assess alternative targets to Osman in case Brighton decide to keep him. Osman was one of seven loan players Blues had in their squad at various points last season, but now they only have one. Goalkeeper James Beadle is the only player signed on a temporary deal, with the other five new arrivals all joining on permanent contracts.
Davies explained his cautious approach to the loan market. “I've been cautious with loans,” he said. “We are in a position now where we could look at loans. When you take too many loans it's not good. They're not your player and not really here for Birmingham City as such.”
“I'm pleased actually that we haven't had to do too many loans and I wouldn't want to do too many,” Davies continued. “Now we're in a position where we could and it would be comfortable and suitable. We have options and we're working hard. The recruitment team are working hard like every club at the moment.”
Final 10 days of window bring uncertainty
With 10 days remaining in the transfer window, Blues could still utilise the loan market if necessary. “There's a lot of uncertainty there with different things, but we have to look back on it at the end and say we're stronger than we started, then I'll be happy,” Davies concluded.
