Birmingham City surge into race to sign forward with Champions League experience

Birmingham City are now eyeing a summer move for Charlotte FC star Liel Abada, with his contract set to expire at the end of 2026.

Birmingham eyeing summer signings after finishing season strong

The Blues ultimately finished 10th in the Championship, which is respectable, given that it was their first season back in the second tier, and they ended the campaign with a five-game unbeaten streak, signing off with a 1-1 draw at Portsmouth.

Reflecting on the season as a whole, manager Chris Davies said: “I think it’s been a season of real growth for us all in the club. It was a real unknown coming back into the Championship, because we can say we’ve got the world record for points, but it’s a different animal this Championship and just look at the clubs that have finished below us in this league.

“For us to come up as a club and really compete like we have done and finish 10th, is something we should be really proud of because it’s been 10 years since the club’s achieved that – and that many points.”

After a solid recent run of form, Davies may have staved off the pressure, with it being revealed the Championship side had made an approach to appoint former Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank at the end of April.

Birmingham facing competition in Liel Abada raceInstead, the 41-year-old could remain in charge this summer, but he will need to get his recruitment right if his side are going to mount a promotion push next season, andBirmingham are now keen on signing Charlotte FC winger Liel Abada.

That is according to Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph, who took to X to reveal the Blues have surged into the race for the forward’s signature, alongside Championship rivals Norwich City.

As things stand, the Israeli’s contract with Charlotte will expire at the end of 2026, but the MLS side retain an option to extend it by an extra year, which could complicate a deal.

The 24-year-old has often been used as a substitute by Charlotte this season, but he was very impressive during a spell with Celtic, being lauded as “amazing” by scout Jacek Kulig.

At Parkhead, the right-winger won three Scottish Premiership titles, and regularly chipped in with goals and assists during a period of domination for the Hoops.

Although Abada has no experience in the Championship, his exploits in the Scottish Premiership suggest he could be an exciting signing for Birmingham, while he also has five Champions League appearances to his name.

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