Chris Davies makes exciting Phil Neumann admission and a point about Grant Hanley
Birmingham City signed two centre-backs on Friday, one for now and one for next season
Phil Neumann will bring speed, strength and quality to Birmingham City’s back-line according to manager Chris Davies.
The German centre-back will join Blues on a free transfer when his contract at Hannover 96 expires in the summer. Neumann, 27, will play out the final six months of his deal and try to help Hannover win promotion to the Bundesliga.
“They’re at the top of Bundesliga II and trying to get promoted,” Davies said. “We’ve tracked Phil for a while, we know a lot about him.
“As soon as I saw him and scouted him, in the summer I looked at him and I really liked the look of him; strong player, can bring the ball out from defence but defends well, and he’s quick. I’m glad to get that done and I look forward to him joining us in the summer.”
Blues refused to bow to Hannover’s demands to complete the signing of Neumann in January. Davies added: “It was more for the summer just to make sure we’re planning ahead. We’re OK with defenders at the moment.”
Blues are well stocked after the acquisition of Grant Hanley on a free transfer from Norwich City. The Scotland international has signed a six-month contract and was an unused substitute during Blues’ 1-0 win over Exeter City on Saturday.
On Hanley, Davies commented: “With Dion going out we were looking to get a centre-back in and as soon as I looked through the options that were available, Grant was the one I wanted straight away. I’ve heard great things about him as a character – I’ve never actually worked with him.
“He’s got great experience from his time at Norwich and still plays for Scotland, he’s played the last six games for Scotland. I thought he would be a good one to bring in and he will help us moving forward.”