Birmingham City Target Carlos Vicente Bids Farewell After Stellar Alaves Display
Spanish winger Carlos Vicente has delivered what could be a farewell performance for Deportivo Alaves, scoring a goal and earning a standing ovation from fans amid intense transfer interest from Birmingham City. The 26-year-old produced an outstanding display in Alaves's La Liga clash against Real Betis, further fuelling speculation that a move to English football is imminent.
Negotiations Intensify Over Weekend
Birmingham City have significantly ramped up their efforts to secure Vicente's signature over the weekend, with negotiations between the Blues and Alaves now at an advanced stage. The Championship club are hopeful of reaching an agreement soon to make Vicente their fifth signing of the January transfer window, strengthening their attacking options for the second half of the season.
Reports from Spain indicate that Birmingham will need to pay around €8 million (approximately £7 million) to secure the services of the talented winger. The Blues now appear to be favourites for his signature after seeing off competition from Dutch giants Ajax, who had also shown interest in the player.
Emotional Farewell at Mendizorroza
During Alaves's match against Real Betis, Vicente made an immediate impact by scoring within just three minutes of kick-off. His performance throughout the game was so impressive that when he was substituted in the 83rd minute, the entire Mendizorroza stadium rose to its feet to give him a standing ovation.
According to reports from Spanish publication Noticas de Alava, supporters began chanting 'Carlos, stay! Carlos, stay!' as the winger left the pitch. However, Vicente's response was described as rather cold, with the player offering little beyond returning the applause to calm the anxieties of fans concerned about his potential departure.
The report noted: 'The man from Zaragoza said goodbye rather coldly, without any gesture – beyond returning the applause – that could raise the tranquillity and optimism of the fans present in Mendizorroza. At the end of the match, he was also seen hugging several teammates in front of the Iraultza supporters' section.'
What This Means for Birmingham City
If Birmingham City successfully complete the signing of Carlos Vicente, it would represent a significant coup for the Championship club. The Spanish winger has demonstrated his quality in La Liga and his potential arrival would add considerable attacking threat to the Blues' squad.
The move would continue Birmingham's active January transfer window, with Vicente poised to become their fifth new addition. His experience in one of Europe's top leagues and his proven goal-scoring ability could provide the spark needed to improve Birmingham's offensive output during the crucial second half of the season.
As negotiations continue behind the scenes, Birmingham City fans will be eagerly awaiting official confirmation of what could prove to be one of their most important signings of the season.
