Birmingham City and Chris Davies are now looking at signing an ex-Barcelona gem before the transfer deadline.

Birmingham City suffer shock EFL Cup defeat to Port Vale

The Blues were knocked out of the EFL Cup on Tuesday evening following a surprise 1-0 defeat to League One side Port Vale.

Jaheim Headley netted the only goal of the game, with Davies ringing the changes at St Andrew’s. Phil Neumann was the only player to keep his place in the side from the Championship victory over Oxford United, and talking after the game, the Blues boss said his side’s “normal rhythm and intensity” wasn’t there.

Attention quickly turns back to the league, with a trip to Leicester City on Friday evening, and behind the scenes, the club are also looking for one more signing before Monday’s transfer deadline.

Hendrie excited after transfer update on Birmingham and Oxlade-Chamberlain

Former Aston Villa midfielder thinks this will be a good transfer for inter-city rivals.

ByCallum Kemp Aug 21, 2025 Birmingham City looking to sign ex-Barcelona gem Mikayil Faye

According to Give Me Sport, the 11th and final Birmingham signing of the summer could be Rennes defender Mikayil Faye.

Capable of playing as a centre-back or as a left-back, Faye is someone who ‘fulfils the main criteria for the Blues’, with the club looking for someone who can cover for injured left-back Alex Cochrane.

Faye, formerly of Barcelona, had a €400m (£345m) release clause in his Nou Camp contract but signed for the Ligue 1 side on a permanent basis in 2024.

Since then, the Senegal international has made 12 senior appearances for Rennes, mainly as a centre-back.

Still just 21 years of age, Faye could be targeted over the coming days, however, GMS also state that Birmingham have alternative targets in mind.