Birmingham City enter the race to sign a forward with Champions League experience

Birmingham City are now eyeing a summer move for Charlotte FC star Liel Abada, whose contract expires at the end of 2026.

Birmingham are eyeing a summer signing after a strong finish to the season

The Blues finished 10th in the Championship, which is respectable, considering it was their first season back in the second tier, and finished the campaign on a five-game unbeaten run, drawing 1-1 at Portsmouth.

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

“For us to come out as a team and really compete like we did and finish 10th, it’s something to be proud of because it’s been 10 years since a team achieved that – and so many points.”

After some strong recent form, Davies may have taken the pressure off, with the Championship side revealed to have made a move to appoint former Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank at the end of April.

Birmingham faces competition in the Liel Abada raceInstead, the 41-year-old is likely to remain in charge this summer, but will need to be well-regarded if his side are to be promoted next season, too.Birmingham are now keen to sign Charlotte FC winger Liel Abada.

This was said by Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph, who took from X to reveal that the Blues entered the race for the striker’s signature, along with Norwich City’s rivals.

As things stand, Israel’s contract with Charlotte will expire at the end of 2026, but the MLS team has the right to extend it for an additional year, which could complicate the deal.

The 24-year-old has often been used as a substitute for Charlotte this season, but has been particularly impressive against Celtic, hailed as a “miracle” by scout Jacek Kulig.

At Parkhead, the right-back won three Scottish Premiership titles, and was a regular scorer and assist during the Hoops’ reign.

Although Abada has no experience in the Champions League, his performance in the Scottish Premiership suggests that he may sign for Birmingham, with five Champions League appearances to his name.

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