Birmingham City is on the verge of sealing the signing of Hannover 96 defender Phil Neumann, aiming to make him their first acquisition of the January transfer window.
Neumann, 27, has emerged as one of the standout performers in Germany's 2.Bundesliga this season, drawing attention from several clubs due to his impressive defensive record. His contract with Hannover expires at the end of the season, compelling the club to part ways with the player rather than risk losing him for free.
According to multiple reports, including one from BirminghamLive, the Blues are set to rekindle their interest after previously failing to secure Neumann’s signature last summer. Having made 173 appearances across his career in the second division, Neumann has made 16 starts this season, contributing to Hannover's status as the team with the best defensive record, having conceded only 17 goals this campaign.
Standing tall at 6'3", Neumann's versatility allows him to play both as a center-back and as a full-back, making him a valuable addition for Birmingham’s manager Chris Davies. The Blues sit atop League One, aiming for immediate promotion back to the Championship, and Neumann's addition should provide extra depth and competition within the squad.
Neumann's skill on the pitch has not gone unnoticed; he has been described by BILD as one of the top defenders outside the Bundesliga. His proficiency extends to ball control and long passing, averaging nearly five clearances per match, and his presence is expected to augment Birmingham’s defensive capabilities significantly.
Birmingham City has been gearing up for this move, recognizing Neumann’s potential, as he has also garnered interest from several Bundesliga teams including Borussia Monchengladbach, Augsburg, and Union Berlin. Nevertheless, his priority aspirations align more with moving to England.
Following Birmingham's recent 3-0 victory against Wigan Athletic, Davies expressed satisfaction with the team's performance, stating, "It was a really good win for us, one of the biggest wins of the season... we had to be really good with our pressing, and showed a lot of energy against the team who like to pass it around."
The successful acquisition of Neumann would signal Birmingham City’s intention to build a championship-ready squad, a prospect that's been expected after their relegation to League One. The club has been proactive, scouting for players capable of making immediate impacts upon their promotion.
Chris Davies' management has led to excellent performances this season, and securing Neumann would provide enviable strength and depth at the back as the team’s bid for promotion intensifies. His ability to adapt to various defensive roles would offer the manager several tactical options, enhancing the team's overall play.
Neumann himself has previously revealed his ambition for playing football at the highest level, emphasizing, "Playing in England was always my goal," reflecting his aspirations toward both competitive play and financial stability. His determination to succeed is supported by familial values, as he aims for long-term security beyond football.
This signing, if finalized soon, not only reflects Birmingham's ambitions for the current season but also Neumann’s desire to make his mark on English football, showing how both player and club can benefit from this forthcoming partnership.
The i's are dotted and the t's crossed, with the Blues expected to announce Neumann's transfer shortly, indicating the start of what is likely to be an exciting chapter both for the player and the club as they aim to thrive back competitively.