The most recent transfer rumors as West Brom announces a signing and a Birmingham City deal gets closer to conclusion.
Kevin Long, a defender for Birmingham City, is close to signing a contract with Toronto FC in Canada after losing a little bit of favor at St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park.
Since joining the Blues in January 2023, the 17-time Republic of Ireland international has proven to be a fantastic utility player. Under John Eustace, he even started regularly for a considerable amount of time. But since then, injuries have halted his progress, with Tony Mowbray and Wayne Rooney frequently choosing different paths.
The Blues’ natural center halves are Dion Sanderson, Marc Roberts, and Emanuel Aiwu. Their full-backs, Cody Drameh and Lee Buchanan, are also more than capable of playing deeper. Since entering, Mowbray has moved Poland’s international Krystian Bielik from midfield to defense, making him a consistent starter as well.
Major League Soccer’s Eastern Conference team, Toronto, will take on Cincinnati on February 25 to kick off the 2024 season. Later in the season, Long will play against players like Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, and Sergio Busquets when Toronto plays David Beckham’s Inter Miami.
After making 40 appearances in all competitions, Long, who has previously played for Burnley, Accrington Stanley, Barnsley, Rochdale, Portsmouth, and Cork City, departs Birmingham.
Meanwhile, West Brom finishes the move.
In other West Midlands transfer news, West Bromwich Albion has officially announced the short-term signing of seasoned midfielder Yann M’Vila. The 33-year-old, who formerly played for Sunderland, Inter Milan, and Saint-Ettiene, signs a contract with the Baggies that runs through the end of the 2023–2024 campaign.
M’Vila, a defensive midfielder with the ability to play center back, has previously collaborated with Albion head coach Carlos Corberan while both players were at Olympiacos in 2022. M’Vila, who played for France in the past and has 22 caps, including multiple appearances at UEFA EURO 2012, will wear number 22 at West Brom.
