Wolves, Birmingham City and Southampton suffer late transfer blow | OneFootball

Wolves, Birmingham City, and Southampton have been left frustrated in their pursuit of Tondela defender, Brayan Medina.

Birmingham City, Wolves, and Southampton transfer target, Brayan Medina won't be moving to any of the English clubs, with the defender failing to meet the points requirement to play in England.

Colombian journalist, Pipe Sierra issued the update on Medina, in what is likely to be a frustrating transfer blow to hear for the Championship trio that were keen on a deal to sign him.

Medina has been with Portuguese side, Tondela since the summer of 2025, and wasted no time in making a positive impact with them in the second-tier.

The defender made 27 appearances in all competitions last term, and caught the eye for all the right reasons, as clubs registered their interest in landing his signature.

After Sierra's recent update though, it appears as though Medina won't be moving to England, with work permit rules blocking a move to the Championship.

Medina could have been a shrewd addition

Action Images

Medina has impressed with Tondela, and could have been a smart signing for Birmingham, Wolves, or Southampton, with Wolves and Southampton in particular likely to be challenging for promotion into the Premier League this season.

The defender still has his best years ahead of him at the age of 24, and could be frustrated that a move wasn't able to be completed due to work permit rules.

Criteria revealed Medina misses out on England move

Action Images

Medina and players from foreign countries can qualify to play in England by collecting points from a criteria, which includes international appearances, domestic minutes, the level of their league they're currently playing in, as well as their current club’s performances.

However, for one reason or another, the defender hasn't been able to hit the required points requirement, which has blocked a move this summer. That's not to say that a move can't materialise in future months, but for now, a move is certainly off the cards.

Birmingham, Wolves & Southampton should turn to alternatives quickly

Action Images

There isn't much longer to find a suitable alternative to Medina for Birmingham, Wolves, and Southampton, with the summer transfer window slamming shut at 23:00 BST on Tuesday.

Southampton will need to find a replacement for Taylor Harwood-Bellis, who joined Aston Villa on Deadline Day, and so it's important that the Saints fill the sizeable void that is left by the former Manchester City youngster.

Birmingham have struggled to keep out goals so far in the 2026/27 season, having conceded nine goals in their opening four matches across all competitions. The Blues were thrashed 6-1 at home to Brentford in the EFL Cup, and defensive reinforcements could have been beneficial to Chris Davies.