Brayan Medina, a transfer target for Birmingham City, Wolves, and Southampton, will not be joining any of the English clubs since he does not match the points minimum.

Pipe Sierra, a Colombian journalist, provided an update on Medina, which is likely to be a frustrating transfer blow for the Championship trio who were interested in signing him.

Medina has been with Portuguese club Tondela since the summer of 2025, and he has quickly established himself in the second tier.

Last season, the defender made 27 appearances in all competitions and drew the attention of several clubs, who expressed an interest in signing him.

However, according to Sierra’s most recent report, Medina will not be heading to England, as work permit requirements prevent him from joining the Championship.

Medina could have been a prudent addition.

Medina impressed at Tondela and may have been a good addition for Birmingham, Wolves, or Southampton, with Wolves and Southampton in particular looking to win promotion to the Premier League this season.

At 24, the defender still has his best years ahead of him, and he may be disappointed that a move was unable to be finalised owing to work permit restrictions.

Criteria revealed Medina misses out on England move

Medina and foreign players can qualify to play in England by earning points based on a variety of criteria, including international appearances, domestic minutes, league level, and current club performance.

However, for one reason or another, the defender has been unable to meet the needed points threshold, preventing a move this summer. That’s not to suggest that a relocation isn’t possible in the coming months, but one is definitely out of the question right now.

Birmingham, Wolves, and Southampton should turn to alternatives swiftly.

The summer transfer market closes at 23:00 BST on Tuesday, leaving Birmingham, Wolves, and Southampton with little time to find a suitable replacement for Medina.

Southampton will need to find a successor for Taylor Harwood-Bellis, who signed for Aston Villa on Deadline Day, and it is critical that the Saints cover the significant vacuum left by the former Manchester City youth.

Birmingham has struggled to keep goals out thus far in the 2026/27 season, conceding nine in their first four games across all competitions. The Blues were humiliated 6-1 at home by Brentford in the EFL Cup, and defensive reinforcements could have helped Chris Davies.