Carlos Vicente became Birmingham City’s fifth signing of the January transfer window earlier this week
Birmingham City have completed the signing of Carlos Vicente from Deportivo Alaves(Image: BCFC)
Chris Davies believes the signing of coveted Spanish winger Carlos Vicente is another feather in Birmingham City’s cap.
Blues beat Champions League regulars Ajax to Vicente’s signature in a deal worth a reported £7million.
Vicente arrives at Blues having scored 10 goals already this season for Alaves, including five in La Liga, in a transfer that has stunned his home nation.
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Blues manager Davies commented: “I don’t know how much was said or what you can say but there were some good European clubs playing in top competitions that wanted Priske and Vicente.
“It’s one thing coming to England, it’s another coming to the Championship, but it’s because they can see the direction that the club’s going in and believe in it.
“I was able to meet them, speak to them, convince them what we’re doing here and where we’re going and how we see them being part of that and turn their head enough to choose us.”
Vicente’s playing style meant he was always destined to find his way to England. An old-fashioned right winger who loves to get to the by-line, Vicente will surely be a hit with the St Andrew’s faithful.
“The main quality is his intensity,” said Davies. “He makes a lot of good runs in behind and is an energetic player. He’s got quality and is a very good crosser of the ball.
“He’s predominantly a right winger but can play off the left. He’s played at a really good level in La Liga, 10 goals in all competitions this season, and is a well respected player in Spain. To attract a player of that calibre here to a Championship club is really encouraging.
“He had good options, to my understanding, in Europe so I think we’ve done really well to attract him and I think he’ll fit in really well to our style.
“We’re a team that always tries to open up and play with width, we’ve got an attacking game, and he fits into that.
“He’s a right-footer that plays on the outside and crosses, that’s a throwback because normally someone like Pat (Roberts) will often play off the right and invert onto the left foot. Not many dribble on the outside but that’s what he can do.”
The signing of Vicente comes hot-on-the-heels of Blues’ deal for highly-rated Dane August Priske.
Priske is a 6ft 4in striker who should thrive on the type of service Vicente will provide and Davies hopes to see the pair strike up a partnership.
On Vicente, Davies added: “He will put good crosses in and we’ve got someone like Priske in the building now who’s a good size and good in the air so hopefully there’s a link that can develop over time.
“When I met him I was very impressed, he speaks very good English and is very bright. He’s really keen to be here and wanted to come. I think we’ve signed an exciting player.”
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