Birmingham City's proposed January transfer for promising Gambian winger Abdoulie Manneh has collapsed, with the player now in discussions with a different club.
Deal falls through as new suitor emerges
The anticipated switch from Swedish champions Mjällby AIF to St Andrew's has broken down, as confirmed by BirminghamLive on Tuesday. While the precise reasons for the breakdown remain unclear, it is understood another club has entered the fray.
Mjällby AIF chief executive Jacob Lennartsson has publicly stated that the 21-year-old has been granted permission to visit this new, undisclosed club to discuss a potential move. "We can confirm that Abdoulie Manneh has been given permission to visit another club for a potential transfer," Lennartsson told Fotboll Direkt.
He added a note of caution, saying, "At this point, we can neither confirm whether the deal will go through, nor whether it will not. As negotiations are currently underway between both the clubs, as well as between the player and the purchasing club."
Manneh's breakthrough season attracts widespread interest
The collapse of the Birmingham deal follows a standout season for Manneh in Sweden's top-flight Allsvenskan. The young forward enjoyed a true breakthrough campaign, contributing seven goals and three assists in 28 appearances for Mjällby.
His impressive form had not gone unnoticed prior to Birmingham's interest. Manneh had previously been linked with a host of clubs, including Greek giants Olympiacos, Championship rivals Coventry City, and Premier League side Bournemouth.
What's next for Birmingham City's transfer plans?
The failed move represents a setback for Birmingham City's January recruitment drive. Supporters who had been anticipating the arrival of the exciting Gambian international will now be looking to the club's management to identify alternative targets.
The swift emergence of another club in negotiations for Manneh underscores the competitive nature of the transfer market for in-form talents. Birmingham City's recruitment team will be forced to go back to the drawing board as they seek to strengthen their squad during the winter window.
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