Hannover 96 have rejected Birmingham City’s €4 million bid for defender Phil Neumann, which included possible add-ons.
According to Sky Sports Germany writer Florian Plettenburg, the Blues had a verbal agreement with the player a few days ago, but their bid was rejected since the German team does not intend to transfer him at this time.
Chris Davies’ team is prepared for life in League One and has already been busy in the early stages of the transfer season, signing Emil Hansson, Alfie May, Ryan Allsop, Bailey Peacock-Farrell, and, most recently, Alex Cochrane.
City, on the other hand, do not appear to be content with finishing there, as they attempt to assemble a squad capable of returning to the Championship at the first opportunity.
They recently reinforced the left side of their defence with the arrival of Cochrane, but it appears they are still looking to strengthen the middle as well, with a deal for Neumann in the works.
Birmingham City see bid seven-figure offer rejected for Phil Neumann
According to Plettenburg, Birmingham City’s €4 million (£3.36 million) deal for Neumann was rejected by Hannover 96.
Plettenburg claims that the Blues made this offer in the last few days after already having a verbal arrangement in place for Neumann to arrive at St. Andrew’s.
🚨🔵 Excl. | Birmingham have submitted an official offer for Phil Neumann in the last days as there was a verbal agreement already in place!
Value of the offer: €4m with possible add-ons included but @Hannover96 rejected immediately! @BCFC
The 27 y/o central defender with a… pic.twitter.com/PAQCZCfEkx
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) July 17, 2024
The bid is thought to be about €4 million, with potential add-ons included, but it was instantly rejected by the German side.
The 27-year-old is under contract with Hannover 96 until next summer, but despite his contract expiring, the German club is unwilling to move the defender.
Phil Neumann’s Hannover 96 stats
Neumann has been with Hannover 96 since July 2022, when he signed on a free transfer from Holstein Kol.
The 6ft 3in centre-back spent much of his early career in Schalke 04’s academy, but he left in 2017 to pursue professional football.
Since joining Hannover, the 27-year-old has been a regular, appearing in 29 2. Bundesliga games in his debut season and 32 in 2023-24.
Neumann only scored once for the club in his debut season, but he performed substantially better in the final third last year, scoring twice and contributing two assists.
Neumann, who can play in a variety of defensive positions, including centre-back and right-back, and is also known to play in deep midfield when necessary, may provide Davies with great versatility, but most crucially, a big presence in the back.
