Taylor Gardner-Hickman has become Birmingham City’s 12th signing in a very busy summer transfer window.
Taylor Gardner-Hickman was signed to compete with Paik Seung-ho and Marc Leonard at the heart of Birmingham City’s midfield, but his versatility also attracted to manager Chris Davies.
Gardner-Hickman, 22, joined the Blues on loan from Bristol City and became the club’s 12th summer signing. He offers a plethora of Championship experience, having played 95 second-tier games for West Bromwich Albion, where he began his career, and the Robins.
Blues manager Davies told BirminghamLive: “He’s a player with good qualities that I like in a player and that we like as a team in terms of his energy and ability to get around the pitch.” He covers a lot of ground on the pitch and is technically proficient with the ball.
“He can play a variety of positions, including deep central midfield, more advanced midfield, and right-back, so he’s versatile. As a young player, he still needs to grow and improve, but he has Championship experience.
“He checks a lot of boxes and contributes to the depth I wanted to establish throughout the pitch. I’m incredibly happy to have him here.”
Gardner-Hickman is the Blues’ replacement for Jordan James, who joined French club Rennes two weeks ago. He has a similar physical profile as James and can play box-to-box.
“We obviously lost JJ a few weeks back and they are similar in some ways, but different in their style,” replied Davies. “There is obviously a connection in several areas.
“It was critical that we brought in a player in that area since losing JJ has left us with only two recognised sixes, Paik and Marc. Taylor’s arrival and ability to play in that position, among others, will be extremely beneficial.”