"Step-up" - Analysis of Birmingham City move for former Exeter City loanee | OneFootball

The 19-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at Exeter but has been linked with a move to Birmingham this summer.

Highlights

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Birmingham City look likely to complete a loan move for Fulham's Luke Harris after he spent the second half of last season on loan at Exeter City.

The 19-year-old, who was born in Jersey, played 21 times for Exeter in League One, after making a Premier League appearance earlier in the year for his parent club against Manchester City.

Birmingham have reportedly made an offer for Harris, according to Sky Sports, with the attacking midfielder who can also play as a winger looking to add a first promotion to his CV.

Harris scored four goals and picked up two assists as the Exiles finished 13th following a very good run of form at the end of the season.

Despite proving himself as a solid option in the third tier during his half a year in the division, it seems as though Fulham want Harris to spend another year in League One before deciding on his future at Craven Cottage.

However, with seven appearances for the Cottagers in all competitions already, it can be said that he is already held in high regard with his contract due to run out in 2026, but with the option for a further year.

Birmingham City's busy summer requires reshuffle

Blues have been one of the most active teams in the transfer window in the entirety of the EFL following their relegation from the Championship last season, adding proven players such as Alfie May, Bailey Peacock-Farrell and Ryan Allsop alongside talent from Europe.

The addition of Harris will provide more competition to Birmingham's attacking ranks, with Emil Hansson and Willum Thór Willumsson both signing this summer from Dutch clubs Hercales Almelo and Go Ahead Eagles.

With so many new arrivals at St. Andrew's, FLW'sBirmingham Fan Pundit, Mike, has acknowledged the need for sales to help fit Harris in: "I think Harris would be a really good addition, but I also expect some players to move out. Especially in those forward positions, maybe some of those who aren't due to start.

"Obviously, we've brought in the likes of Hansson and Willumsson, so, I do think it would be a good addition."

Moving to Birmingham could be great for Harris' career

Although Birmingham were relegated last season, the club is in a great position to recover, with fans excited over the new project that has been promised by their US owners.

Blues are hoping for an instant return to the Championship ahead of their first season in the third tier since the 1994-95 campaign, and with a high possibility of being favourites for promotion, this could excite Harris after he finished mid-table with Exeter.

Mike believes that a move to Birmingham is better for his career: "I think it feels like a good move for him.

"He was at Exeter last year, and obviously they're in the same division as us, but it’s a bit of a step-up playing for Birmingham. I think it'd be a really good signing."

With the 19-year-old hoping to make his Wales debut in the coming months, a good start with Birmingham if the transfer goes through could be the key to becoming a major player for his nation in the years to come.