Birmingham City are reportedly on the brink of signing promising Danish striker August Priske after reaching an agreement with Swedish top-tier side Djurgårdens. The Blues have been in the market for a new centre-forward following Lyndon Dykes’ departure to Charlton Athletic, with head coach Chris Davies keen to add more firepower at the top end […]
Birmingham City are reportedly on the brink of signing promising Danish striker August Priske after reaching an agreement with Swedish top-tier side Djurgårdens.
The Blues have been in the market for a new centre-forward following Lyndon Dykes’ departure to Charlton Athletic, with head coach Chris Davies keen to add more firepower at the top end of the pitch. That desire could now be about to be fulfilled, with a significant update emerging involving Priske, who has been heavily linked with a move to St Andrew’s over the past few days.
According to reports, Birmingham have agreed a deal worth £6 million (€7 million) plus bonuses for the 21-year-old, who is set to travel to England to finalise personal terms and take a look at the club’s facilities.
Following extensive talks between the two clubs, it now appears an agreement has been struck, bringing Priske closer to becoming a Blues player. Danish outlet Tipsbladet reports that the offer has been accepted by Djurgårdens.
If the reports are accurate, Priske is set to arrive in England today to discuss personal terms and potentially complete his move to St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park. The Dane is reportedly keen on a move to the Championship, suggesting there should be few obstacles to the transfer.
That said, Birmingham are expected to remain cautious until the deal is officially signed, having recently been disappointed in a similar pursuit. Chris Davies’ side missed out on Mjällby forward Abdoulie Manneh last week, with the Scandinavian transfer falling through at the final hurdle.
Last season’s top scorer in the Swedish Allsvenskan, Priske scored 18 goals in 27 appearances and has attracted widespread interest from across Europe. A six-time Denmark Under-21 international, he has previously been linked with the likes of Red Bull Salzburg, Beşiktaş and LOSC Lille.
If Priske joins the Blues, he would likely need some time to get up to speed, having enjoyed a break due to Sweden’s spring-to-autumn schedule. Initially, the Dane would probably be eased into the team to adapt to the pace and physicality of English football, with a view to earning more regular minutes towards the end of this season and into the start of the next.
Standing at 6ft 4in, Priske would add significant physicality and aerial presence to Birmingham’s attack, in a similar mould to Marvin Ducksch. Yet he is far from a traditional target man: the young forward is also known for his sprint speed and ability to cause problems in the channels, making him a versatile threat in the final third.
The Blues could certainly use a boost, particularly away from home, where they have struggled in the Championship. So far this campaign, Birmingham have won just nine of their 27 league games and sit eight points outside the top six.
While play-off hopes are not yet extinguished, time is running short. Adding a striker of Priske’s calibre could provide the firepower needed to push up the table, and many Bluenoses will be hoping the latest transfer rumours come to fruition.
