Sealed: Birmingham City completes the signing of midfielder

Paik Seung-ho, a midfielder from South Korea, is the second January transfer window addition for Birmingham City.

Paik, 26, has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract to play for Blues after leaving South Korean top flight team Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, subject to international clearance.

“Since I was young and started to watch football, one of my dreams was to come to England and play football,” he stated.

“When I heard Birmingham was interested in me, I was really happy.”

The former Barcelona youth product continued, “I have known the club since I was a young kid,” after pledging his allegiance to the Championship team until June 2026. I made the decision to come here after speaking with the directors and management.

“I’m thrilled to be a member of this club. I am giddy with anticipation. I’m eager to get going.”

Paik, who has been captained by his nation 15 times, played for South Korea in the 2022 World Cup. In their 4-1 loss to Brazil in the round of 16, he beat Alisson of Liverpool with a long-range consolation goal.

He comes after QPR midfielder Andre Dozzell, who was the first acquisition made by new Blues manager Tony Mowbray, on loan last week.

The fact that Jay Stansfield, who leads the squad in scoring with nine goals, is here to stay has also benefited the Blues.

Other teams were eager to get Stansfield, but last week’s deadline passed, so Mowbray now knows he has him until May. Fulham could have called up Stansfield.

After Wayne Rooney was fired, Blues have won four of their first two Championship games, placing them in 20th place in the standings and seven points clear of trouble.

Paik may play in this Saturday’s West Bromwich Albion Championship derby at The Hawthorns.