Talks are ongoing with potential new owners to try and get the club on an even keel, but if they are unsuccessful, Redmond and Butland may be sold, with Everton, Southampton and Manchester City reportedly interested.
Birmingham’s current owner is Carson Yeung, whose assets have been frozen as he faces charges for money laundering in Hong Kong. Whilst Birmingham fail to find a new owner it looks increasingly likely they will need to sell off their prized young stars Nathan Redmond and Jack Butland to soothe their financial diificulties.
The club was firm in blocking off any attempts to sign the players in the summer, when Butland in particular was scouted by many clubs following his performances for Team GB at the Olympics, and then for the senior England side. Tottenham Hotspur were allegedly the keenest on him, and whilst they now have purchased Hugo Lloris for their long term keeper, there will still be plenty of Premiership teams keen to take on Butland.
Everton and Southampton are currently being linked with the 19 year old goalkeeper. The Merseyside club may be beginning the search for Tim Howard’s long term replacement. The American is 33 and would be able to help Butland settle over the next couple of years. Southampton have used a couple of keepers already this year, and may see Butland as the man to become their undisputed number one.
Redmond, whilst younger, has been on the radar of top teams for a little while longer than Butland, as he made his debut for Birmingham when only 16 years old, the clubs second youngest player ever. He has become an important part of the first team already and is a hugely talented prospect. Whatever Birmingham say about keeping hold of their young stars, if Manchester City come calling there’s no way they could compete financially even at the best of times.
No-one likes to see a club forced to sell off players due to financial problems brought on by their owners, and it must be especially galling for fans if they lose their young stars as a result. The hope would be that Birmingham can sort themselves out and then come into any negotiations on a more even setting. However if they cannot do that before January, selling off Butland and Redmond to raise funds may be the option they’re forced to take.
image: © wonker
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