Carlos Vicente reveals truth behind why he joined Birmingham City - 'I don't really care' | OneFootball

Carlos Vicente joined Birmingham City in the January transfer window

January signing Carlos Vicente has claimed that the financial offer was not the only reason for his decision to join Birmingham City.

It was reported that the deal cost the Blues around €8 (£6.9) million to complete in order to bring the midfielder to St. Andrew’s.

It was a busy winter market for the Midlands outfit, who looked to bolster Chris Davies’ side as they seek promotion to the Premier League at the first attempt.

Birmingham earned a record-breaking 111 points on their way to promotion from League One last season, and are now aiming for a top flight return for the first time since 2011.

Vicente was one of four permanent additions to the first team squad, with August Priske, Kai Wagner and Jonathan Panzo also joining, along with a loan deal for Jhon Solis.

Carlos Vicente opens up on Birmingham City transfer decision

Vicente has claimed that his move to Birmingham was about more than just their financial offer, amid reports that he is earning €3 (£2.6) million per year at St. Andrew’s, suggesting the project being built was also part of the appeal.

He has admitted that the financial offer played a role, but that it’s about more than just that, and he feels the Blues can match his ambition of playing in the Premier League.

"I've already been asked this question and everyone has their own opinion, although I don't really care,” said Vicente, via Flashscore.

“It is true what everyone can imagine, that obviously there is a good financial offer behind and nobody is going to fool you about that, but above all there are two things.

"Firstly, the project they have here is that there really is an immediate urgency to get promoted to the Premier League, and as a player, I want to play in it.

“And to do it this way would be even nicer.

“And then, secondly, the fact of how they wanted me and how they have shown me the interest they had in me; that it was necessary in some way.

“So, well, that also made me choose this one among other options."

Birmingham have moved up to 10th in the Championship table with recent results, with Davies’ side winning three of their last five, drawing the other two.

Vicente has made three appearances since making the move to England, starting on one occasion, and he’s already provided his first assist.

The Spaniard has a contract with the second division team until June 2029, with his sights set on top flight football.

Next up for Birmingham is an FA Cup clash against Leeds United at home on 15 February in a 12pm kick-off.

Carlos Vicente signing was a show of financial strength from Birmingham

Birmingham have grand ambitions, and their ability to win the race to sign Vicente showed that they can back up those ambitions with heavy spending.

The midfielder could prove quite an effective signing for the team, although it is still far too early to judge that.

While the financial offer is of course important in helping a player decide where they will play, their own competitiveness also matters and they will want to play at the highest level possible.

Vicente obviously believes that Birmingham can achieve Premier League football, and his arrival is an endorsement of what’s being built by the club.