Birmingham City are reportedly in a late transfer tussle with Championship rivals Middlesbrough for Hull City winger Liam Millar. The 44-cap Canada international could be on the move before the window shuts at 11pm on Tuesday, as reported by The72.
Birmingham currently sit 8th in the Championship table with 5 points from their first three games, a record of one win and two draws. They have scored 4 goals and conceded 3, leaving them 4 points behind early leaders Charlton Athletic. Their next test is a tough home fixture against second-placed Wolves on September 6th.
Why is Liam Millar available now?
Hull City's pursuit of Sorba Thomas from Huddersfield Town has opened the door for Millar's potential exit. The 26-year-old winger has featured in both of Hull's opening Premier League fixtures this season. However, the potential arrival of Thomas could push him down the pecking order at the MKM Stadium. Millar himself has expressed uncertainty about a separate move to Stoke City. "I am unsure about moving to the Potters and am open to other opportunities as a result," the player said.
This situation has alerted several Championship clubs, with Birmingham City and Middlesbrough both identified as serious contenders. Both sides are expected to challenge for promotion this season and see the deadline as a chance to add quality depth.
What would Liam Millar bring to Birmingham City?
Millar is a proven operator at Championship level. He is a tricky dribbler who prefers to cut inside onto his stronger right foot. His career path took him from Fulham's academy to Liverpool's youth setup. Loans at Kilmarnock and Charlton Athletic followed before a permanent move to FC Basel in Switzerland.
He returned to England on loan with Preston North End, which preceded his switch to Hull City. Millar has overcome a serious injury in the past and re-established himself as a solid wide option. He would face competition for a starting spot at St. Andrew's, where Demarai Gray typically operates on the left. The recent arrival of versatile attacker Mohammed Fuseini provides further cover in those areas.
Birmingham's current squad is also dealing with absences, as both Demarai Gray and Marc Leonard are currently sidelined.
How does Millar fit the promotion picture?
A late move for Millar would be viewed as a shrewd piece of business for any side with top-six ambitions. For Birmingham, adding a player of his experience could provide a vital boost during a long campaign. Manager Chris Davies will be keen to strengthen his options as the club aims to close the four-point gap to the summit.
Middlesbrough also have a crowded attacking department, with players like Jeremy Sarmiento and Riley McGree offering versatility. Millar would similarly face a battle for regular minutes at the Riverside Stadium. His adaptability and proven track record in the second tier make him an attractive option for clubs looking for immediate impact.
You can track Birmingham's progress in the standings throughout the season. The club's next match, against high-flying Wolves, is detailed on the official fixtures page.
Liam Millar's future is set to be decided before the transfer deadline passes on Tuesday night.
