Some Birmingham City fans have expressed their surprise on social media as 20-year-old centre-back Geraldo Bajrami joins National League side Solihull Moors on loan.
Birmingham City announced Bajrami’s move on the club’s official website, confirming that he would be joining the National League side on a “youth loan” deal until the 30th of May. The Blues also confirmed that they have included the ability to recall the player from his loan after 28 days.
The 20-year-old centre-back leaves the club having been the captain of the Blues’ U23 side this season. Bajrami has already gained some first-team experience with Birmingham City. The Albanian U21 international has featured in three first-team games for the Blues this season, two of which have come in Championship fixtures.
In his two Championship appearances, Bajrami made an average of three successful tackles per game, in addition to four clearances, according to Whoscored.com. Bajrami’s average of three tackles per game, though taken from a sample size of just two games, is a higher number of tackles per game than any other Birmingham City player has made on average this season.
Some Birmingham City fans have expressed some surprise at Bajrami’s loan move. Read the responses of some Blues fans to this loan move in the tweets below.
Are Solihull Moors the right loan destination for Bajrami to continue his development?YES, SOLIHULL MOORS IS A GREAT LOAN DESTINATION FOR BAJRAMI
NO, BAJRAMI SHOULD BE PLAYING AT A HIGHER LEVEL TO CONTINUE HIS DEVELOPMENT
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? Geraldo Bajrami has joined Solihull Moors on a youth loan until the end of the season – subject to FA approval.
Good luck, G! ? #BCFC
— Birmingham City FC (@BCFC) February 20, 2020
https://twitter.com/cdbcfc_/status/1230537824165879811
Much better than Harding at Centre Half.
— Linda Goodman (@LindaGo17881059) February 20, 2020
We’re not exactly overflowing with CB either another injury then what Harding or Dean
— Alan Elwell (@elwell_alan) February 20, 2020
Quality signing. Literally could play at league 1 level pretty easily right now.
— Hayden Atkins (@BrummieHayden) February 20, 2020
Unreal signing this Is! Real talent this lad, few games In the 1st team this season and played very well Imo.
— Kieran Lynch (@KieranBcfc89) February 20, 2020
Good signing – he’s a great prospect.
— Paul Fulford (@PaulFulford) February 20, 2020
What do we think?
Bajrami had provided a necessary option as cover for Birmingham City this season. However, it may be fair to say that the 20-year-old was fifth in the pecking order of Birmingham City’s centre-backs at the moment, having played fewer first-team games than each of Harlee Dean, Jake Clarke-Salter, Marc Roberts, and Wes Harding in the position this season.
With four centre-backs arguably ahead of him in line for first-team opportunities, a loan move away may be a good decision for Bajrami’s development. However, it may also be arguable that the Albanian U21 international and Birmingham City U23 captain could potentially ply his trade at a higher level than the National League, having already earned two first-team starts in the Championship.