Birmingham City target Kwame Poku has rejected a club-record contract offer from fellow League One side Peterborough United and appears set to leave the club once his contract expires this summer.
The 23-year-old is out of contract at the end of the 2024/25 campaign and looks destined to leave the EFL Trophy winners this summer, but despite being a free agent he won’t be available on a free transfer.
League One champions Birmingham City hold an interest in signing the winger ahead of their return to the Championship and have opened preliminary talks over the signing of the winger.
That’s according to Football Insider, who have also reported that Poku has rejected a club-record offer from his current side, increasing the chances of him leaving the football club.
Could Birmingham land Poku?
Birmingham City have gained the reputation of being the big spenders since their relegation from the Championship but are highly likely to follow their previous summer window this time around.
Poku won’t be available on a free transfer due to his age and the fact that Peterborough have offered him a new contract that was equal to or better than his original deal.
However, Poku was of high interest to numerous Championship clubs during the previous two transfer windows, as well as emerging on the radar of SPFL giants Rangers and Premier League side Ipswich Town.
Birmingham are certainly full of ambition and are more than likely to be in a position to offer a competitive deal and fee to Peterborough, which in-turn gives them a better chance at signing the 23-year-old.
How has he fared this season?
Despite missing several months through injury earlier this season, Poku’s goal contribution record for Peterborough United remains extremely impressive.
During his 26 matches across all competitions this season, Poku has contributed to 21 goals and played a key role at Wembley Stadium as Peterborough United beat Birmingham in the EFL Trophy final last weekend.
Last season, Poku managed 20 goal contributions in 45 games, meaning he has already reached a career high tally before the season ends whilst making significantly fewer appearances.
Is he Championship ready?
Poku demonstrates similar qualities and play styles to former teammate Ephron Mason-Clark who made the move to Championship side Coventry City.
After a slow start, Mason-Clark has ended the season strongly for Frank Lampard’s side and has proved that he has the ability to make the cut in the second tier.
Poku’s goal output for Peterborough has been extremely impressive and there is a strong possibility that he would be able to make the cut within the Championship.
Birmingham City have been very impressive in League One this season but one thing they have lacked at time is consistency in the attacking third and not gaining more points from games they’ve dominated.
The 23-year-old has the capabilities to add a lot of attacking qualities to Chris Davies’ side next season if they can beat the numerous clubs likely joining Birmingham in the pursuit to sign Poku this summer.
Birmingham City fans, do you believe you’ll get a deal over the line for the 23-year-old?