Jhon Solís says the Championship appeal and Birmingham City’s project convinced him to reject other clubs for the Blues.
The Colombia international has had a chat with ESPN South America to discuss several topics and majority of it is on Birmingham City.
Solís joined Chris Davies’ side on loan from Girona in the winter market. Two months ago, Sport Witness relayed news that Birmingham City paid a €500k loan fee to the La Liga side and have an €8m purchase option.
The midfielder has enjoyed a good run since moving to St Andrew’s, playing 637 minutes from nine matches so far.
On February 25th, Sport Witness highlighted praise from the Colombia media for his start at Birmingham City.
Rejected other clubs for Birmingham City
The 21-year-old was asked how his move to the Championship side took place, and also about his adaptation in England.
Responding to that, he said: “I came to Birmingham because it’s an ambitious club with a sporting project to move forward. Football leaves its mark. You have four good weeks and maybe the fifth is negative, that’s just how this sport is.
“At Girona, I was a bit of a substitute, but it was difficult to start regularly. So, considering I’m young, I wanted to get playing time and that development on the pitch, which is the most important thing.
“I had other clubs interested, but they [the Blues] convinced me. The Championship is very competitive. Doing my apprenticeship here seems like a very positive experience.”
Chris Davies impact on player
The South American didn’t enjoy a prominent role at the Catalan club in the first half of this season. To put it in context, Girona manager Míchel gave him 531 minutes from 14 matches across all competitions.
His situation has improved since moving to Birmingham City and he talked about that when asked about the difference between Davies and Míchel.
“Yes, it’s a little different, with a bit more freedom,” Solís said.
“When I started at Atlético Nacional, I was a box-to-box midfielder. An 8 who had the ability to get up and down the pitch, to repeat the effort. Here they saw that quality.”
“Defensively I contribute that physical ability and winning duels, but also with the ball I have that freedom to go forward and be direct. In the 70th or 80th minute, when the other team might be disjointed, you cover 40 metres with the ball.”
Blues stay is a possibility
Birmingham City
ESPN specifically asked whether he could stay at Birmingham City beyond this season.
He added: “There’s a possibility I’ll stay; it’s a loan with an option to buy. So far, I’ve felt very good. There’s the possibility of staying, but also the possibility of going back.
“I’m trying to take advantage of this momentum and my current situation, which is good, and continue opening doors in the world of football. I’m willing to go wherever is best, but right now my focus is here, and I’m giving everything for Birmingham City.”
Our take: Solís is playing safe
The Colombian has confirmed the English club’s project convinced him to join them on a loan deal. He also said extending his stay with Birmingham City is a possibility.
At the same time, he doesn’t want to close other doors, especially if the Blues decide not to retain him. There’s also the possibility of waiting to see what else arrives in the summer.
Birmingham City are currently 13th in the Championship and promotion looks out of reach. Solis and his camp may well be hoping some good performances can attract other clubs.
The player is represented by Jose Levis agency, as per Transfermarkt, a group which has exclusively Colombians as their clients.