Birmingham City have been linked with Sporting Gijon attacking midfielder Cesar Gelabert as they look to sign a new number 10 before the transfer window closes.
Blues are still aiming to strengthen their forward line in the remaining two weeks of the window, with a left-winger and a number 10 identified as priority signings for head coach Chris Davies.
The club were previously in contention for Joe Gelhardt's signature, but Hull City, newly promoted to the Premier League, moved in to sign him from Leeds United.
Gelabert's impressive season in Spain
Gelabert enjoyed a standout campaign in Spain's Segunda Division in 2025/26, recording eight goals and four assists in 41 matches. The 25-year-old started all but one of Gijon's league fixtures as they finished 10th in the 22-team division.
According to Marca, Blues have 'expressed an interest' in Gelabert, with La Liga clubs and Major League Soccer duo Columbus Crew and Minnesota United also in the frame for his signature.
Contract and pedigree
Gelabert has two years remaining on his contract, meaning interested parties will not be able to acquire him cheaply. Sporting reportedly 'consider him a cornerstone of their project' and he is due to feature in their league opener against Sabadell on Monday evening.
Gelabert has considerable pedigree, having progressed through the ranks at Real Madrid and represented their B team. All of his football to date has been played in Spain, apart from a brief spell in France with Toulouse, where he made 16 appearances in Ligue 1 and six in the Europa League.
Blues' transfer approach
Birmingham City have prioritised signings with Championship experience this summer, but they have branched out to bring in Luis Vazquez from Anderlecht and Kristoffer Lund from Palermo.
The club have also acquired players from Spain in recent transfer windows, with Carlos Vicente and Jhon Solis both arriving via La Liga.
