Carlos Vicente Set To Join Birmingham City In Major Transfer Move

Birmingham City are on the brink of completing one of their most ambitious transfer moves in recent years, with Spanish winger Carlos Vicente set to join from Deportivo Alaves in a deal worth around £7 million. The 26-year-old, who has dazzled in La Liga this season, is expected to travel to England this week to undergo a medical and finalize a contract that could see him wearing royal blue until the summer of 2029. The transfer saga has captured the imagination of Blues fans, especially after a weekend that showcased both the club’s ambitions and the player’s undeniable talent.

It’s been a whirlwind January for Birmingham City. While the club’s 1-1 draw against Stoke City at St. Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park on January 24 left them five points behind the final play-off place—currently held by Wrexham—off-field activity has been nothing short of frenetic. Head coach Chris Davies, with the backing of majority owner Tom Wagner and Knighthead Capital Management, has already overseen four signings since the window opened: German full-back Kai Wagner, Jhon Solis, Ibrahim Osman, and striker August Priske. The arrival of Vicente would be the club’s fifth acquisition this month, further bolstering a squad looking to make a late charge up the Championship table.

Vicente’s journey to the West Midlands has been closely watched by fans and pundits alike. Transfer links to St. Andrew’s first surfaced in the summer, but only now have negotiations truly accelerated. The winger, who previously spent time at Racing de Ferrol and CD Calahorra before breaking out at Alaves, has been in scintillating form this season. In 25 La Liga appearances, Vicente has netted 10 goals and provided three assists, numbers that have not gone unnoticed beyond Spain’s borders.

Interest in Vicente was not limited to Birmingham. Dutch giants Ajax were keen to bring him to Amsterdam as a replacement for Raul Moro, who recently departed for Osasuna. However, according to multiple reports, including Dutch journalist Joost Blaauwhof and Spanish outlet Marca, Vicente opted for Birmingham City over Ajax—a decision influenced by both financial incentives and the allure of English football. Voetbal International reported that he is set to earn around €3 million per year with the Blues, a significant increase compared to what Ajax could offer.

The transfer fee, reported to be around €8 million (£7 million), is a far cry from the €20 million (£17.3 million) release clause in Vicente’s Alaves contract. Yet, negotiations between the two clubs have been smooth, with local Basque media confirming an agreement in principle and the player poised to travel for his medical. Marca described the move as coming at the perfect time for Vicente, who is enjoying the best season of his career and is set to arrive in Birmingham at his peak. The deal is expected to be officially announced soon, barring any last-minute complications.

Vicente’s final appearance for Alaves was nothing short of a fairy tale. On January 25, he scored the opening goal in a 2-1 victory over Real Betis, earning Man of the Match honors with an 8/10 rating from Sport Witness. The Aragonese forward was electric on the right flank, terrorizing defenders and delivering dangerous crosses throughout the match. Substituted in the 83rd minute, Vicente received a standing ovation from the Mendizorroza stadium faithful, who chanted "Carlos, stay!" as he bid what appeared to be a subdued farewell. According to Noticas de Alava, "The entire Mendizorroza stadium rose to its feet to give number seven a standing ovation after his outstanding performance. The applause was gradually joined by a chant echoing throughout the stadium: 'Carlos, stay! Carlos, stay!'"

Despite the emotional send-off, Vicente’s decision was clear. After the match, he was seen hugging teammates in front of the Iraultza supporters' section, his cold body language doing little to calm the anxieties of Alaves fans fearing his imminent departure. Local media and supporters alike acknowledged that his performance was a fitting parting gift, helping Alaves climb to 15th in La Liga and out of the relegation zone.

For Birmingham City, Vicente’s signing is more than just another transfer. The club, currently 13th in the Championship after 29 games and unbeaten in their last four matches, is only six points adrift of the final play-off spot. The addition of a proven goal scorer and creative force could be the catalyst Davies’ side needs to bridge that gap. With Demarai Gray sidelined until at least February, Vicente is expected to compete immediately for a starting role, likely slotting in on the right flank and providing much-needed attacking impetus.

Vicente’s track record in Spain speaks for itself. Over 82 games for Alaves, he has scored 17 goals and contributed 13 assists, with this season’s tally of 10 goals and three assists marking a career high. His rise has been meteoric, especially considering he was playing in the Spanish third tier as recently as 2021/22. Last season, he managed five goals and five assists in 38 La Liga matches, demonstrating consistency and growth.

The transfer also reflects Birmingham’s growing financial clout and ambition under the stewardship of Wagner and Knighthead Capital. While the club has made shrewd signings throughout January, the acquisition of Vicente signals a willingness to invest in top-tier talent capable of making an immediate impact. As Sky Sports noted, "Negotiations are drawing to a close as Blues finalise the finer details on a £7 million package. Vicente, who is said to have turned down Ajax in favour of Blues, is set to travel to England this week to undergo his medical."

With 17 Championship matches left to play before May 2, the Blues have ample opportunity to mount a serious push for the play-offs. The signing of Carlos Vicente could prove pivotal, both in terms of on-field performance and the message it sends to rivals and supporters alike. As the club irons out the final details and prepares for an official announcement, excitement is building in Birmingham—and for good reason.

All eyes are now on St. Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park as fans await confirmation of Vicente’s arrival. If his recent form and emotional farewell in Spain are anything to go by, Birmingham City supporters have every reason to believe that their team’s fortunes could be about to change. The Championship promotion race just got a whole lot more interesting.