Birmingham City have identified a high-profile target to solve their issues on the wing, with Brighton & Hove Albion's Ibrahim Osman emerging as a key objective before the transfer window closes.
Blues Look to Seagulls Connection for Major Signing
Manager Chris Davies is keen to add pace and creativity to his squad, and the club's recruitment team are now focusing on the 21-year-old Ghanaian international. Osman, who joined Brighton from Danish side FC Nordsjaelland for a fee of £16 million in the summer of 2024, is yet to make a senior appearance for his parent club.
Birmingham are hoping to leverage their strong relationship with Brighton to secure a deal. The connection between the two clubs is well-established, with goalkeeper James Beadle currently on loan at St. Andrew's from the AMEX Stadium. Previous dealings include the signings of Marc Leonard and loan spells for Reda Khadra and Eiran Cashin, who was recently recalled and sent to Blackburn Rovers.
Osman's European Loan Experience
Since his big-money move to England, Osman has gained valuable experience in two major European leagues. He spent the 2024/25 season on loan at Dutch giants Feyenoord, where he scored three Eredivisie goals and featured in the UEFA Champions League.
This campaign, he has been playing in Ligue 1 for AJ Auxerre. His statistics in France show seven starts and a further seven substitute appearances, contributing two assists for his teammates. This exposure to top-flight football makes him an attractive prospect for a Championship side with ambitions of promotion.
Addressing the Winger Shortfall
The pursuit of Osman comes after a setback in Birmingham's transfer plans last week. The club had hoped to sign Gambian youngster Abdoulie Manneh from Swedish club Mjällby AIF, but that proposed deal collapsed, forcing officials to explore alternative options.
Securing a player of Osman's calibre and valuation would represent a significant coup for Birmingham City and manager Chris Davies. It would be the most notable acquisition they have made from their Premier League counterparts, signalling a clear intent to strengthen their squad for the challenges ahead in the second half of the season.
