Birmingham City prospect Romelle Donovan has confessed that there has been ‘interest’ in him since he was a child, but that staying at the club was ‘only right’.
Donovan was given a three-year contract in November, rewarded for his commitment despite interest from bigger clubs. Teammate Trevan Sanusi, another previous scholar, moved for Newcastle, while Donovan stayed.
The England Under 18 international then burst into the spotlight, making seven Championship appearances, but he fell out of favour with Chris Davies’ first team. However, he has claimed that he is now willing to help the Blues rebuild after being loyal to his hometown club.
“There’s obviously been interest from other clubs since (I was) young but Birmingham City have looked after me so it was only right for me to stay here,” said the 17-year-old, speaking to Birmingham Live. “They showed that they wanted me by giving me the early pro (contract) on my birthday so I feel like it was right for me to stay here at that time.
“I wouldn’t be the person and the character I am if it wasn’t for this club. I’m a Birmingham boy as well so it just means more. I feel like I have a good connection with the fans and this club has a massive place in my heart.”
After scoring his first goal for England in a victory over Northern Ireland at St Georges Park, the youngster’s stock has soared – he is currently rated at £750,000 (€900,000) on Transfermarkt, and that figure appears to be rising. He helped the Under 21 team reach the Professional Development League final, but he is now looking to impress in preseason.
“When I was back with the 21s I felt like I had a point to prove,” he told Blues TV. “I’m still young so I shouldn’t expect to be playing every single minute with the first team. When I get that call again I will be even better.”
That call might come during the Blues’ hectic preseason schedule. They have friendlies against Paderborn, Solihull Moors, Shrewsbury, and Rangers scheduled over the next three weeks, with Walsall and West Brom still on the schedule before the big game. That should provide an opportunity for the exciting young attacker to impress, with the hope of making the first-team squad for the season opener against Reading.
Writer’s Notion
It’s refreshing to see a young player remain committed to the club that has supported him throughout his apprenticeship. Loyalty is a much-missed quality in sport these days, and John Eustace is confident he was not demonstrated by the Blues.
Eustace and Rooney have left, but Donovan has remained, and given his strong start to his England youth career, he appears to be a player with a bright future. Interest may have been expressed hesitantly in the past, but if he does make it to the first team, it may be more difficult to turn down offers from major teams.
