Birmingham City have agreed to sign Brighton’s Jeremy Sarmiento after his transfer to fellow Championship club Middlesbrough fell through.
Sarmiento is now on loan at Cremonese, a freshly promoted Italian Serie A club, with the move originally slated for the entire season.
Sarmiento’s switch came after three prior loan periods since joining Brighton in the summer of 2021.
Sarmiento has battled for playing time in Italy, and has not appeared for Cremonese since early November, prompting Brighton to investigate a recall.
Birmingham City, promoted from the League One last season, is aiming to improve in the second half of the season as they chase a playoff position.
They have struggled on the road, with poor away form jeopardizing their chances.
Despite being outstanding opportunity creators, the Blues have a negative goal difference, scoring only 36 times.
| Team | Year | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Birmingham City (C) | 2024–25 | 111 |
| Wolverhampton Wanderers (C) | 2013–14 | 103 |
| Charlton Athletic (C) | 2011–12 | 101 |
| Plymouth Argyle (C) | 2022–23 | 101 |
| Sheffield United (C) | 2016–17 | 100 |
Approaching the January window, manager Chris Davies stated an intent to add attacking firepower in the market to tackle the issue.
August Priske of Djurgardens is close to moving to Birmingham, which will expand Davies’ choices.
Carlos Vicente, who made a season-high 16 crosses against Atletico Madrid, is also thought to be of interest to the Blues, but Alaves are unwilling to let him go.
Blues have already signed Kai Wagner and Jhon Solis, the latter on loan from Girona.
Ibrahim Osman from Brighton has also been added to Davies’ options, having signed on loan with the Blues.
It has now been revealed that the Blues have reached a deal with Brighton for another attacker in Sarmiento.
After negotiating personal terms with Sarmiento, Middlesbrough’s deal fell through when they were unable to agree on a fee with the Seagulls.
Lorenzo Lepore, a journalist, wrote on X that Birmingham City and Brighton had reached an agreement for Jeremy Sarmiento.
“A potential move to Middlesbrough collapsed after the clubs failed to agree on a fee, despite personal terms having been agreed between Boro and Sarmiento.”
Brighton will bring back the Ecuador international to ease the transition to Birmingham.
Sarmiento helped Burnley last season and Ipswich Town the previous season gain promotion to the Premier League, and Blues fans will be hoping he can complete a hat trick.
Davies will be delighted with how the Blues solved a problem by bringing in various front-line options.
Birmingham, with 35 points, is eight points out of the playoffs, while Preston North End is sixth with 43 points.
xz
