Birmingham City have emerged as serious contenders in the race to secure the signature of Brentford midfielder Frank Onyeka, with the Championship club understood to be actively pursuing a deal before the January transfer window concludes. The Blues are keen to bolster their midfield options and see the Nigerian international as a prime target, according to sources close to the club.
Midfield Reinforcement a Priority for Birmingham
Manager Chris Davies is reportedly considering giving the green light for a move, with optimism growing that an agreement could be reached. Brentford are open to letting Onyeka depart this month, either on a permanent transfer or a loan arrangement, as the player seeks more regular first-team football.
Brentford boss Keith Andrews recently acknowledged discussions with Onyeka, stating, "I know Frank is keen to play football more regularly than he has and I completely understand that." This admission highlights the midfielder's dissatisfaction with his limited game time, having featured for just 88 minutes in the Premier League this season.
Financial Considerations and Competition
Reports from BBC Sport suggest that a fee in the region of £7-8 million could be sufficient to prise Onyeka away from the Gtech Community Stadium. While it remains uncertain whether Birmingham would be willing to meet such a valuation, their interest is firmly established.
However, Birmingham face stiff competition from fellow Championship sides Sheffield United and Coventry City, both of whom have reportedly made enquiries about the player. Onyeka spent last season on loan at Bundesliga club Augsburg, where he was a regular starter, demonstrating his capability at a high level.
Player Profile and Ambitions
At 28 years old, Onyeka is in his prime and has 18 months remaining on his contract with Brentford. The versatile midfielder, who can operate in various central roles, brings valuable experience, including appearances in the Champions League for FC Midtjylland prior to his move to England.
Recently featuring four times for Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations, Onyeka is eager to secure a prominent role at his next club. While such a guarantee may not be immediate even in the Championship, the opportunity for increased importance on the pitch is a significant draw.
With Brentford not considering Onyeka as part of their long-term plans, a move to the Championship appears increasingly likely. As the transfer window deadline approaches, the race for his signature between Birmingham, Sheffield United, and Coventry City is expected to intensify, potentially going down to the wire.
