Birmingham City have signed defender Yan Valery on loan from Southampton for the rest of the season.
He arrives looking to get some game time having fallen down the pecking order at St Mary’s. Valery joins a Birmingham side hovering too close for comfort near the Championship relegation zone.
Valery is the third signing made by Blues manager Aitor Karanka as he looks to spark the Blues’ season into life.
Birmingham City Sign Defender Yan Valery on Loan From Southampton
Valery Has Made Just Three League Appearances This Season
The French full-back has been with the Saints since 2015 after joining from Rennes. He made his debut three years later and, in total, has made 38 appearances.
However, he has managed just three Premier League appearances this campaign, equating to 103 minutes of football. His first start only recently arrived in the Saints’ defeat to Arsenal. Ralph Hasenhuttl wants the Frenchman to go out and get some game time.
This will be his first loan move away from Southampton and a move to the Championship offers a fantastic opportunity for him. He will enhance his football education as well as get some game time.
He will be tasked with trying to help a Birmingham City side struggling for form and confidence. Aitor Karanka hasn’t quite had the impact both he and fans had hoped for.
The Blues sit in 20th place, just four points clear of the relegation zone. With sides below them having games in hand, it’s a worrying time for the Blues. Valery’s arrival is a sign of Karanka freshening up a squad he has changed over the past six months.
Valery will follow Rekeem Harper and Sam Cosgrove in joining the Blues this window. He will compete for the right back spot in the Blues side currently occupied by fellow Frenchman Maxime Colin.
It remains to be seen whether he has signed in time for Birmingham’s trip to Wycombe Wanderers tomorrow night. His debut is likely to come this weekend against out of sorts Bournemouth.
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