This would just be spoiling the fans.
After the excellent double signing yesterday of Jake Clarke-Salter on loan and the new contract for Lukas Jutkiewicz, City fans were presented with news that a third signing could be on the way, and what a signing it would be.
Reports are coming in from Vecernji List that Birmingham have had a bid accepted for Dinamo Zagreb’s Croatian U21 midfielder Ivan Sunjic. The report suggests that the fee will be €7m (£6.15m). This has raised a few concerns with Birmingham City fans about how this will work under the Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations. Having been docked points only last season as punishment for breaking FFP rules, it’s a pretty fair concern to have.
Now whilst only the smartest and those with the most knowledgeable of the situation know the minutiae of the club’s finances, the sales of Jota and Che Adams might have given the club that little bit of breathing space to make this move possible.
If the hierarchy have managed to find a way of circumnavigating the FFP issue, or even if they haven’t even done that and this transfer is all routine, then they will have pulled off an absolutely stunning move.
Predominantly a defensive midfielder, he will be able to slot perfectly into the spot that was occupied by Maikel Kieftenbeld before his devastating injury. A player who has got significant experience in the Europa League, as well as over 75 appearances in the Croatian first division since coming through at the age of 18.
And with a pass completion rate of 91% in this summer’s European U21 Championships he’ll be able to run the show in front of the defensive-line because he’s not afraid of a tackle, having picked up 38 yellow cards in his club career so far.
There have even been suggestions that he will be the next Luka Modric, possibly aided by the suggestion that Dinamo Zagreb have slapped a 30% sell-on clause to the deal, knowing they may have a major windfall on their hands in the next couple of years.
Whilst this is only one signing, it is a huge statement of intent from the owners. Having been thrust into a relegation battle last year as a result of the points deduction, this is the kind of signing that can see the club moving back in the right direction.
