Birmingham City academy star set to complete Premier League free transfer
Birmingham City favourite Nathan Redmond has spent the last year in Turkey, but he’s set to return to England this summer
Birmingham City academy product Nathan Redmond is on his way back to England – and to the Premier League – after leaving Turkish side Besiktas at the end of his contract. Winger Redmond, who came through Blues’ academy and was a regular in the first-team before he left for Norwich City in the summer of 2013, is in talks to sign for Burnley on a free transfer.
The 29-year-old only signed for the Super Lig side last summer and it is believed he was offered the opportunity to remain in Istanbul, but the Brummie has chosen to instead return to these shores and is in discussions with the newly promoted Clarets.
Redmond scored five times and produced five assists for Besiktas last season, including one remarkable goal against city rivals Fenerbahce when he took the ball up inside his own half, drove forwards and picked out the corner from outside the penalty area.
“From the very first day I arrived, you have shown me nothing but love and support,” Redmond wrote on Instagram. “It’s a difficult decision for myself and my family not to return and wear the black and white jersey this season, but in the one season I spent with you guys, I’m forever thankful for the memories, and history we created together.”
Redmond, who has a single England cap to his name, earned when he appeared against Germany in a friendly match in 2017, is set to sign for Vincent Kompany, who has already snapped up Dara O’Shea from West Brom. He is also poised to recruit goalkeeper James Trafford from Manchester City.
Redmond came through the ranks at Wast Hills from 2002 and enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2011 under Chris Hughton in the Championship as Blues experienced European football at St Andrew’s – Redmond had scored against Nacional in Blues’ Europa League play-off.
By the time he left for Norwich to reunite with Hughton a couple of years later, he had scored nine goals in 82 appearances. He has well over 250 Premier League appearances to his name, and is set to increase that number at Turf Moor.