Birmingham could sign a bigger talent than Cashin in “dynamite” £10m star

In a transfer window already glittering with high-profile names and unprecedented ambition, Birmingham City’s next potential move could eclipse all others. According to multiple sources close to St Andrew’s, the Blues are plotting a blockbuster move for a £10 million-rated “dynamite” talent, widely tipped to have a higher ceiling than Derby County defender Eiran Cashin—a player long admired by the club.

While Birmingham have been heavily linked with Cashin this summer, fresh reports indicate that club executives are now prioritizing a deal for Blackpool’s explosive young winger Karamoko Dembélé, a former Celtic prodigy currently attracting interest across the Championship and beyond. If completed, it would mark a new apex in Birmingham’s summer recruitment campaign, and potentially deliver a player of Premier League-level quality into Chris Davies’ growing arsenal.

---

The Background: Birmingham’s Aggressive Rebuild

It’s been a summer of sweeping changes at Birmingham City.

Backed by the formidable financial support of Knighthead Capital and led by ambitious sporting CEO Garry Cook and head coach Chris Davies, the club has already secured eight new signings, including Belgian international Mike Trésor in a £9 million coup from Genk. But the pursuit of a dynamic winger capable of transforming games in the final third remains a top priority.

Originally, Birmingham appeared set to firm up a deal for Eiran Cashin, the 22-year-old Derby County centre-back valued at £4–5 million. Cashin, widely regarded as one of the most consistent defensive prospects in the EFL, was seen as a natural partner to new arrival Jarrad Branthwaite in a revamped backline.

However, as talks with Derby slowed amid price disagreements and Premier League interest from newly promoted Leicester, Birmingham’s attention reportedly turned toward a bigger, more impactful target—a player capable of changing not only games but also the trajectory of the club’s long-term vision.

---

Who is Karamoko Dembélé?

Karamoko Dembélé is not your average 21-year-old winger.

A name that once echoed through European youth football as the “next Messi,” Dembélé burst onto the scene at just 13 years old when he made his debut for Celtic’s U20 side—an appearance that went viral and placed him on the radar of clubs like Manchester City, Barcelona, and PSG.

Although his senior career hasn’t followed the meteoric rise many anticipated, Dembélé has grown into his potential steadily. After leaving Celtic for Ligue 1 side Brest in 2022, and later joining Blackpool in 2023, he found the consistent minutes he craved—blossoming into a mercurial wide forward known for his pace, technical finesse, and fearless 1v1 ability.

In the 2024–25 League One season, Dembélé contributed 11 goals and 12 assists across 41 appearances, helping Blackpool to a playoff semi-final berth. His dribbling stats were among the best in the league, averaging 4.6 successful take-ons per 90 minutes, and his chance-creation metrics were better than many of his Championship counterparts.

Former Blackpool manager Neil Critchley described him as:

“A dynamite player in tight spaces… he can unpick any defense and has a bit of magic that you can’t coach.”

---

Why Dembélé Could Eclipse Cashin

There’s no question that Eiran Cashin is a top-tier defender with a massive future. At 6’1″, composed on the ball, and strong in duels, Cashin represents the modern Championship centre-back—comfortable playing out from the back and leading a high line.

But Dembélé’s profile is arguably rarer and more valuable, especially to a Birmingham side that has lacked elite-level creativity and flair in wide areas for years.

Where Cashin is reliable and solid, Dembélé is electric and uncontainable. His ability to beat defenders, stretch defenses, and contribute directly to goals makes him a match-winner. In a league where set defenses are common and margins tight, players like Dembélé are difference-makers.

With Mike Trésor now in the No. 10 role, and Josh Windass likely to operate from one wing, the potential arrival of Dembélé would complete a devastating attacking trio behind a central striker, possibly Aaron Connolly or another incoming No. 9.

---

Transfer Details: £10m Deal in Motion?

Sources close to the club suggest that Birmingham have already opened exploratory talks with Blackpool regarding Dembélé, with an initial valuation of around £10 million being floated.

Blackpool, aware of the player’s talent and marketability, are holding firm on their valuation and are reluctant to sell unless an irresistible offer comes in. Dembélé is under contract until 2027, giving the Seasiders leverage in negotiations.

However, Birmingham’s willingness to spend this summer—already splashing out over £30 million on other deals—suggests they are not afraid to go big if the right player becomes available. Furthermore, performance-related bonuses, sell-on clauses, and appearance-based add-ons could help sweeten the package without immediately breaching EFL financial sustainability guidelines.

Garry Cook is reportedly leading the negotiations personally, which is often a sign that the club considers the transfer to be strategically transformative, rather than just opportunistic.

---

What Dembélé Would Bring to Birmingham

If Birmingham manage to pull off the deal, Dembélé would arrive as one of the most technically gifted players outside the Premier League. Here’s what he would bring:

• 1v1 Excellence: Capable of beating defenders off the dribble in tight spaces or on the run.
• Versatility: Can play on either wing or as a central attacking midfielder.
• End Product: Despite his small stature (5’6″), he’s contributed to over 20 goals last season.
• Set-Piece Threat: Dangerous on dead balls and corners, adding a new layer to Birmingham’s attack.
• Youth with Experience: At 21, he has already played in Scotland, France, and England—offering maturity and international perspective.

His skill set complements existing players rather than replacing them—precisely the kind of synergistic upgrade Birmingham needs to fight for automatic promotion.

---

How Close is the Deal?

While an agreement is not yet final, insiders claim that Birmingham have made Dembélé their top attacking target after the Trésor deal and that discussions are progressing well. The player himself is said to be open to the move, especially after seeing the club’s ambitious vision and the caliber of signings already made.

His agent, speaking anonymously, was quoted in a French outlet as saying:

“Karamoko wants to play at the highest possible level. He believes Birmingham is building something serious and would consider the project if the clubs can agree.”

A deal could be finalized within the next two weeks, though it may require some maneuvering in terms of outgoings—particularly fringe attackers like Scott Hogan and Keshi Anderson, who are expected to depart.

---

Fan Reaction: Buzz Building

The Birmingham fanbase is already abuzz at the possibility of adding a player of Dembélé’s flair to a squad that’s beginning to look like one of the strongest in the Championship.

Supporters have taken to social media with enthusiasm:

“Dembélé and Trésor in the same XI? Feels like I’ve just loaded up FIFA Career Mode.”
— @BluesMad1875

“This is the most exciting summer I’ve ever seen as a Blues fan. Proper ambition. No more freebies and has-beens.”
— @KROKev

However, some have urged caution, citing Dembélé’s inconsistent history at Celtic and the risks of betting big on “potential” over proven Championship performance. Others see it as a gamble worth taking.

“If we want to be a Premier League club, we have to sign Premier League talents. Dembélé is that.”
— @TiltonTalk

---

The Wider Picture: Birmingham’s Long-Term Strategy

This move, if completed, would be more than just a short-term promotion push—it would align with Birmingham City’s five-year vision of becoming a European-level club.

With Chris Davies implementing a modern, high-pressing attacking system, the likes of Dembélé and Trésor aren’t just names—they’re system fits, providing width, pace, and ingenuity. Knighthead Capital’s strategy revolves around developing high-value assets, and few have a higher resale ceiling in the Championship than Dembélé.

Moreover, the transfer would send a strong signal to other rising talents: Birmingham City is now a platform, not a stepping stone.

---

Conclusion: A Defining Move in a Defining Window

Should the Blues secure Karamoko Dembélé for £10 million, it could mark the defining moment of their 2025 summer window—and possibly their long-awaited return to top-flight football.

While the Eiran Cashin deal remains on the table, Dembélé represents something bigger: an evolution in the club’s identity, a swing for the fences, and a bold declaration that Birmingham City is no longer content with mediocrity.

As transfer season heats up, all eyes will be on St Andrew’s.

If the deal crosses the line, don’t be surprised if Birmingham City are celebrating a return to the Premier League next May—with Karamoko Dembélé’s magic leading the charge.