‘Unrealistic figure’ – Birmingham City forced to withdraw from signing over £18m price

Birmingham City gave up on bringing Brighton & Hove Albion‘s Ibrahim Osman back to the club in the summer window.

That’s according to Footy-Africa, who state Brighton’s high demand forced Birmingham City to walk away.

Brighton man’s loan spell at Birmingham City

In February 2024, the Premier League side agreed a deal with FC Nordsjælland for the winger to arrive at The Amex later that summer.

The Seagulls sent him on loan to Feyenoord during the 2024/25 season and sanctioned another loan move to AJ Auxerre last summer.

Ibrahim Osman managed two assists from 15 matches for the French club. Brighton & Hove Albion cut short his stay in January and immediately sanctioned a fresh loan to Birmingham City.

Operating as a left winger and a wing-back, he managed two goals and two assists from 15 matches for the Blues.

Brighton manager wasn’t keen on sale 

His performances convinced Chris Davies’ side to bet on him in the summer window. The Ghana international had also given the green light to return to St. Andrew’s.

He has three years left on his contract with the Seagulls, and Transfermarkt value him at €7m.

Footy-Africa reports Brighton & Hove Albion demanded £18m [€21m], which is three times more than his value, to sanction a sale. This forced the Championship side to not go ahead.

The outlet states: ‘That figure was considered unrealistic for Birmingham under the Championship’s Squad Cost Ratio rules, but the Blues remained hopeful that Brighton could soften their position before the end of the window.’

Ibrahim Osman, who did pre-season with Brighton, impressed Fabian Hürzeler. This convinced the manager to hold on to him, and the player has made four appearances so far this season.

This saw Birmingham City shift their focus to Mohammed Fuseini. He finished his medical and photoshoot before the move collapsed on deadline day.

The Ghanian has played 129 minutes. If he were to struggle for regular game time, he may look for a way out in January. This sounds more like what Birmingham City are hoping for so that they can sign him again.