Birmingham City reaction given to August Priske transfer news - "I just hope" | OneFootball

August Priske is reportedly set to move to St. Andrew's @ Knighthead Park

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Birmingham City have been heavily praised for the signing of August Priske from Djurgardens IF, with the club reportedly agreeing a deal worth at least €7m (£6m) for his services.

Blues had become heavily linked with the 21-year-old towards the end of last week, with talks advancing at a rapid pace between the relevant parties to ensure a deal could be struck, and it was confirmed on Tuesday afternoon.

It has been an extremely busy winter transfer window for the likes of Chris Davies, Craig Gardner and Tom Wagner at St. Andrew's @ Knighthead Park, with talk on both the incomings and outgoings front failing to dissipate as the transfer deadline of 7PM on Monday, February 2nd, edges ever closer.

Birmingham had already confirmed three signings since the window opened on New Year's Day in the form of German full-back Kai Wagner from Philadelphia Union, as well as two loan captures in the form of Girona FC's Colombian midfielder, Jhon Solis - which could be turned permanent - and Brighton and Hove Albion's previous £16m addition and Ghanaian international winger, Ibrahim Osman.

All three of the aforementioned deals have generated plenty of excitement amongst supporters in the West Midlands as Davies hopes his side can bridge the current gap between themselves and the Championship play-off places between now and the end of the season.

However, it is fair to say that Priske's switch is dominating any form of transfer-related discourse amongst Bluenoses due to the centre-forward's current ability and future potential.

August Priske viewed as 'perfect signing' for Birmingham City as £6m deal agreed with Djurgardens IF

Indeed, it was reported last week by Danish sports outlet, Tipsbladet, that Birmingham had been able to outmuscle two European powerhouses in the race to lure Priske to their respective projects.

The two clubs in question came in the form of Turkish Süper Lig side, Besiktas and LOSC Lille of the French Ligue 1, with the same publication then reporting on Monday that a deal of at least €7m (£6m) plus bonuses had been agreed between Blues and Djurgardens, before confirmation of his five-and-a-half year deal was confirmed at 1PM on Tuesday.

In his one full season with the Stockholm-based side so far, Priske helped Djurgardens reach the UEFA Conference League semi-finals, where they were defeated by eventual winners, Chelsea, as well as scoring 18 times in 27 Allsvenskan appearances.

Due to his attributes and potential, Football League World's Birmingham City fan pundit, Jason Moore, has described the deal as "perfect" from a Blues perspective.

"He is, from what I've seen of him, exactly what we need," Moore told FLW. "A big man up top, with a bit of pace about him that can hold the ball up and can finish.

"I said that would have been perfect with Che (Adams). But, the fact we're signing a 21-year-old, on paper, it looks like the perfect signing," he claimed.

"I just hope we give him enough time, as Blues fans, to settle in, because he's a 21-year-old coming into a tough league that's going to take a little bit of time to adapt to. I just hope we back him.

"I really hope he comes good," Moore added. "But, unfortunately, the way this club wants to go, he's going to have pressure on him straight away.

"I'm really excited by this, and I think he could be a really top player for us. He's exactly what we need as a 'number nine'.

"Hopefully he comes and he's fantastic. I hope we give him enough time to show he's fantastic."

August Priske has the potential to grow alongside Birmingham City

It is no surprise that a player of Priske's profile has been described as "perfect" for the way in which Davies wants Blues to operate, as his addition could also bring the best out of those around him, such as Jay Stansfield.

Stansfield himself has become a 'poster boy' for Blues' rebuild after signing a seven-year contract, with the buzzword of 'potential' in mind as the club aim for a Premier League return to align with the upcoming 62,000-seater Powerhouse stadium development.

Priske is another player who can fall into this category if he gets off to a strong start in royal blue, although there must be a small element of patience given he has never played in England beforehand.

However, the obvious concerns about pressure are likely to stem from the fact that, whilst Marvin Ducksch has started to deliver goals for Birmingham, Kyogo Furuhashi has squandered a catalogue of big chances since his eight-figure switch from Stade Rennais in July.

All in all, though, this could be a potentially major coup for Blues in the years to come at just £6m.