Carlos Vicente Responds to Critics Over Birmingham City Transfer
Carlos Vicente has firmly addressed the skepticism surrounding his January move from La Liga club Alaves to Birmingham City. The Spanish winger, who joined Blues in a notable transfer, faced criticism in his homeland for leaving Spain's top division for the English Championship.
Financial Offer and Beyond
Vicente acknowledged that the transfer involved a substantial financial package, describing it as a "good financial offer" in his own words. The deal reportedly cost Birmingham City an initial £7 million, with Vicente having scored 10 goals for Alaves in the first half of the season prior to his move.
However, the player emphasized that his decision was driven by more than monetary incentives. "It is true what everyone can imagine, that obviously there is a good financial offer behind and nobody is going to fool you about that," Vicente told Flashscore. "But above all there are two things."
Club Ambition and Personal Challenge
The winger highlighted Birmingham City's urgent promotion project as a key factor in his choice. "Firstly, the project they have here is that there really is an immediate urgency to get promoted to the Premier League, and as a player, I want to play in it," he explained. "And to do it this way would be even nicer."
Secondly, Vicente was impressed by the club's persistent desire to sign him. "And then, secondly, the fact of how they wanted me and how they have shown me the interest they had in me; that it was necessary in some way," he added. "So, well, that also made me choose this one among other options."
January Transfer Activity and Promotion Push
Vicente was part of a significant £15 million investment by Birmingham City in the January transfer window, which saw six new signings arrive to bolster the team's promotion bid. Under manager Chris Davies, the club is targeting a play-off position in the Championship.
Recent results have kept Blues in contention, with a 0-0 draw against West Bromwich Albion on Tuesday moving them within one point of the top-six. Vicente expressed confidence in the team's ability to achieve promotion, stating, "I think it's possible, obviously, and I think we have the skills to achieve it if we are at the level we have to be at."
Personal Motivation and Future Goals
The Spanish international framed the move as his biggest professional challenge to date. "It is a challenge that I have taken on at a personal level, in the most complete way that you can imagine," Vicente said. "For me it's my biggest challenge since I've been in professional football."
He made clear that playing in the Premier League next season is his objective, adding, "If not, I wouldn't have agreed to come here, that's for sure." Vicente's comments come as he settles into his new club, with Birmingham City fans hopeful his arrival will help drive their promotion ambitions forward in the remaining Championship fixtures.
