Birmingham City are closing in on their second January signing as Tony Mowbray continues to stamp his authority on the squad.
Tony Mowbray has instantly transformed Birmingham City’s fortunes.
The experienced manager has inflicted his possession-based philosophy onto the Blues and seen the desired results.
From his first three matches in charge, Birmingham have drawn against Swansea City and beat Stoke City in the Championship while progressing into the fourth round of the FA Cup at the hands of Hull City.
Mowbray has made it clear that he wants to mould his squad to how he likes and he’s beginning that process this month.
Andre Dozzell arrived on loan from Queens Park Rangers to become his first signing of the winter and now it appears he’s closing in on his second.
Birmingham City closing in on move for Paik Seung-Ho
According to outlet Sports Donga, Birmingham have “actively approached” Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors for midfielder Paik Seung-Ho and he wants to join the club, beating Championship rivals and Mowbray’s former employers, Sunderland, to the deal.
The 26-year-old has played his football in South Korea since 2021, however, a move to St Andrews would see him return to Europe.
A graduate of Barcelona’s academy, who was hailed as “exciting” as a youngster at the club, Paik has plied his trade for Perelada in Spain, Girona and Darmstadt 98, but it’s on the international stage where many will recognise him.
The 15-cap international was part of South Korea’s Qatar 2022 World Cup squad and although he only featured for 25 minutes in a round of 16 clash against Brazil, he did come off the bench to score a stunner in a 4-1 defeat.
Clearly a player who possesses pedigree on the European and international stage, Paik could add several other qualities to Mowbray’s midfield.
What will Paik Seung-Ho bring to Birmingham City?
While Mowbray has already bagged one ball-playing midfielder in Dozzell, Paik appears to be another, but slightly different in style.
He’s known for the qualities he can bring box-to-box and his ability to drive well through midfield.
During his time at Jeonbuk, the midfielder has chipped in with several contributions. In the 2022 and 2023 campaigns, he weighed in with six goals and seven assists.
Mowbray is crying out for someone who can grab the game by the scruff of the neck from the middle of the park. Youngster Jordan James has scored six goals in 26 Championship appearances this term and the addition of Paik could see them form a strong partnership.
At the weekend, Mowbray spoke glowingly about the Asian players he’s worked with throughout his career. “Asian footballers, I’ve had a few – Ki Sung-yeung, Kim Do-heon – they are amazing human beings,” he said. “You ask them to do something and they do it.”
However, if Mowbray gets his hands on Paik, he could join that growing trend of Asian players who have had success in England.