Birmingham City make transfer decision over current player | OneFootball

Birmingham City defender Harlee Dean will not be leaving the club on transfer deadline day.

That is according to BirminghamLive, who report that the former Blues skipper will remain at the club beyond the closure of the transfer window later today.

This comes after speculation linking the central defender with a move away from the club this summer.

Dean exited the Blues in January when former boss Lee Bowyer loaned him out to Sheffield Wednesday in League One.

Speaking at the time, Bowyer explained the rationale behind that decision.

““I think that there needs to be change. Some people [are] in a comfort zone.” the former Blues boss said, via BirminghamLive.

“I think that if things don’t change we will be in the same situation every year.

“Yes, he is the club captain but I demand certain things and expect certain things to happen. That’s why he is moving on.”

Interestingly, Dean also seemed to insinuate that his time with Birmingham City was over, with the defender claiming back in April that he would be leaving St. Andrews on a free transfer this summer.

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REAL FAKE

Speaking via The Star at the time, when asked if his future had been discussed, Dean said: “We’ve been fully focused on these matches.”

“I know I’m not going to be at Birmingham next season, I’m going to be available on a free, so whenever that comes in the summer that’s what happens – we’ll deal with that then.”

With Bowyer having now departed, and new boss John Eustace at the helm, things appear to have changed.

Harlee Dean has one year remaining on his current Blues contract.

The Verdict

Whilst a move looked inevitable this summer, it isn’t the worst thing for Dean to stick around at St. Andrews.

Don’t get me wrong, if Lee Bowyer was still there, it would be awkward, however, with a new boss in place, there is a chance for a fresh start.

Dean has shown he is a solid defender at this level and his leadership qualities, having skippered the club previously, should be a positive re-addition to the Blues dressing room.

If indeed he does remain beyond the transfer deadline, it will certainly be interesting to see how Eustace reintegrates the 31-year-old back into the Blues squad and line up.