Birmingham now planning January move for £17m forward who’s also wanted by Blackburn

Birmingham City are looking to boost their promotion bid by strengthening their attack during the January transfer window, but there could be competition from Championship rivals Blackburn Rovers.

The Blues will also have to do without Tom Brady in the upcoming window, as the NFL legend has now ended his association with the club after three years.

A club statement read: “Birmingham City Football Club expresses its sincere gratitude to Tom Brady for his involvement with and unwavering support for the Club over the last three years.

“It was truly amazing to have someone with Tom’s experience and passion associated with the Club, and the Club looks forward to continuing to build on that foundation from the training ground to the Birmingham community.”

Brady leaves the club in a strong position, with Chris Davies’ side currently top of the Championship table, having taken 29 points from their opening 15 matches, and they have won their last three games on the spin.

A strong defence has been one of the keys to their succeess, with the Blues conceding just 14 second tier goals so far this season, which is the fewest of any side in the division.

However, with none of Davies’ players among the top five goalscorers in the Championship, they are looking to bolster their attacking options this winter.

Birmingham now racing Blackburn to sign Kendry Paez

REUTERS/Vincent Carchietta

According to a report from TEAMtalk, Birmingham are now looking to sign Chelsea attacking midfielder Kendry Paez, who is yet to make a senior appearance for the Premier League side, having found it difficult to force his way into Xabi Alonso’s plans.

As such, the west Londoners are now prepared to loan Paez out during the January transfer window, and a number of clubs are eyeing moves, with Blackburn and Celtic also among his potential suitors.

The Ecuadorian joined Chelsea for £17m back in 2025, but the move hasn’t exactly gone to plan, with River Plate terminating his loan move back in August.

Since then, the 19-year-old has been training with the Blues’ U21 side, with scout Jacek Kulig suggesting his failure to kick on could be down to a mentality issue.

Kulig said: “2-3 years ago, he was one of the most incredible talents in world football. Sadly, since leaving Ecuador, almost nothing has gone his way. I really hope he overcomes the mentality issues that seem to be holding him back and that we soon see the real Kendry again.

“A true magician and a beautiful advanced playmaker to watch.”

As such, Paez may not be a sure-fire success at St. Andrew’s, but a loan move until the end of the season would be low-risk, and he has exhibited some promising signs in the past, picking up 13 goals and six assists in 70 appearances for Independiente del Valle.