Championship clubs including Leeds United and Sheffield United face disappointment as League One table-toppers Birmingham City have been able to tie down star player Paik Seung-ho to a new contract that will keep him at the club until 2028.
The 27-year-old made the move to St Andrews in January from Jeonbuk Hayundai Motors, but following the club’s relegation to the third tier attracted interest from a host of Championship clubs. In September Blues’ boss Chris Davies admitted that there would have been interest in the player:
“There would have definitely been interest in him but I was very consistent all along that he was going to be a key player this season and in future years. He’s an excellent player and an excellent character. In my mind there was no real threat of losing him. He has been excellent so far and needs to maintain those standards.”
It had been reported that Leeds United and Sheffield United were two of the clubs interested, with reports suggesting that there were bids as late as transfer deadline day in the summer. However. the window closed and they were able to fend off any interest.
Paik has been a vital part of Davies’ side featuring in each of the club’s league fixtures so far this season. The South Korean international had this to say to the club’s official media on his new deal:
“I am really happy to have signed my new contract with Birmingham. Since the new season started, I feel like we can do something really, really big. What we are doing every day and how we are playing every game, people can see we are going in a good process, I think. I feel like staying here is good for my career in football.”
Step Two of Rebuilding Taking Shape
After the disastrous end to last season Birmingham City needed to rebuild, and whilst it was clear a lot of players needed moving on, it was as important to keep hold of their stars as it was to bring in new ones. With Paik having only joined in the winter window it gave them additional bargaining power to say no in the Summer as Championship clubs come knocking, and it is likely the player would have had some doubt as to whether he wanted to drop into the third tier.
However, the impressive start to the campaign has likely given him the reassurance he needed to commit his long-term future to the club with the likelihood that he will be back in the Championship next season, potentially with a trophy on his CV.