Jay Stansfield to Birmingham City transfer: Marco Silva plan, price, rival interest

Birmingham City have been linked with a move to bring Jay Stansfield back from Fulham. Striker Stansfield, 21, was a revelation at St Andrew’s last term, scoring 13 goals in all competitions, including 12 in the Blues’ ill-fated campaign, and despite relegation left his imprint on everyone associated with the club.

The club’s League One status may otherwise prove a stumbling block; Stansfield left League One Exeter City for Fulham in the first place and only signed a new deal at Craven Cottage before being loaned out to the Blues last summer. That said, he maintains a strong connection with the Blues, who he said at the end of last season would “always have a special place in his heart”.

What is clear is that the Blues, despite signing Alfie May from Charlton Athletic, fresh from his 27-goal season, are on the lookout for another attacking player as Chris Davies continues to work with Craig Gardner and the Blues’ recruitment team to identify and target the right players who can improve the squad and aim for promotion at the first attempt. Stansfield would certainly fit the bill.

READ: Jay Stansfield has already made his feelings clear about Birmingham City

READ: Stansfield returns, Paik stays and Spurs strike: Blues’ dream window

What Stansfield said

At the club’s end-of-season awards dinner, Stansfield confirmed how much fun he had in a Blues shirt despite relegation, and also predicted the club would quickly return to their place, barring disappointment falling so early. Knighthead’s extremely ambitious project.

“Walking up there and knowing that my teammates voted for me and the fans, I felt sad to leave,” Stansfield said. “It’s one of those things, I went on loan for a season and loved every minute and learned a lot. I think I just built such a relationship with the fans and the club that I wanted to give everything in every game. The early goal helped. I earned their respect on the first day and was able to show everyone why I chose Birmingham.

“In the end we fell short and everyone around the club feels hurt. I think the club will be back to where it belongs very soon. Hopefully next season they can continue. Being around town and seeing the fans and seeing how Everyone is welcoming and hardworking, there are wonderful people all around here.”

Read what the striker had to say about his future in full

What Fulham said

Fulham boss Marco Silva is a fan of the player and has previously indicated he will remain in London ahead of their upcoming Premier League campaign – although it remains to be seen whether he will stay at the Cottage.

“He’ll be back with us,” Silva said in May as he assessed the 21-year-old striker’s campaign for the Blues. “Everything we planned, apart from Birmingham’s collective goal, which wasn’t what we wanted, was a (ticked) box.

“He played last season in League One (with Exeter City) and to be able to step up in the Championship and be an important piece in the forward line and score important goals (was nice). Jay accomplished all the important things. Now is the time for him to come back and be one of the players in our forward line for next season.”

Read the full story here

Price tag

Say Stansfield leaves or becomes available to the Blues permanently – the Blues, who have not been shy about spending already this summer, should break the League One transfer record paid for a player for a third times in this window after additions by Willum Willumsson and Christoph Klarer.

Stansfield signed a new deal before leaving for the Blues as Fulham hedged against the possibility of a move on – something that materialized – and that deal runs until 2027, with Fulham having the option of a further 12 months in their favour. The Cottagers, along with Stansfield’s last year, could ask for what they like – they have already sold for up to £6m.

Rival interest

Cardiff City have emerged as potential rivals for Stansfield if Fulham decide he is available; are desperate to add a striker after last year their top scorers managed just six each – one of them being Karlan Grant, who as mentioned has since left. BBC Sport Wales add that they would like to add to the attack while they are away in Austria this week.

The vision of the knight

On the face of it, the idea of ​​Birmingham City bringing Jay Stansfield back to the club after their relegation to League One would seem utterly fanciful. And yet. And yet…

Stansfield didn’t just strike a chord while on loan last year – he sang an entire romantic symphony, Birmingham Live write. At a time when players who spend time at clubs on loan can often be accused of being disinterested and detached from their surroundings, knowing that the club’s fortunes will not directly affect them, it is telling that Stansfield’s spell can be reflected as polarizing. opposite.

Read why we think Stansfield should consider a permanent return to the Blues

How much should the Blues be willing to pay for Stansfield? Tell us here