21-Year-Old Valencia B Defender Attracting English Interest

Birmingham City are one of three Championship clubs keen on a move for former Aston Villa and Chelsea youth, Declan Frith, according to The Standard.

The 21-year-old looks set to leave Valencia after a single season in Spain. He’s been appearing for their B side but is considering a move back to England, with his release appearing imminent. It’s reported Getafe are interested in keeping him in the country, but he’s considering a move back to England.

That’s got Birmingham on red alert, despite the current predicament around relegation. They’re not the only side eyeing a move for the attacker, who can play on the wing or through the middle. Both Queens Park Rangers and Watford are also thought to be in the hunt, with the latter the only team of the trio guaranteed Championship football next season.

Frith has a year left on his deal in Spain but is reportedly frustrated at the lack of first-team chances. Valencia are open to letting him go as he’s only been appearing for their reserves in Spain’s equivalent of the fourth division, but given that he won’t be out of contract, there’s likely to be a significant sell-on clause.

Born in England but eligible for Jamaica and the US, Frith began his career with Welling United. Chelsea offered him youth terms in 2021, and he appeared for their Under 21 side in the EFL Trophy. He was later offered professional terms by Aston Villa, penning a deal at Villa Park in August 2021. He made minor headlines around the club when he bagged a brace on his debut against The Blues Under 23 side in their local derby.

He was released by Villa last summer, and snapped up by the Spanish side, arriving there classed as a defender, rather than a wide attacker. However, his game has since developed, and he’s turned in some decent displays on the right wing for the Spanish side.

Site Opinion

Much depends on where Birmingham are next season, but a jump from the fourth tier in Spain to the Championship seems quite excessive. However, if Frith is impressing, then it’s feasible there could be a move on the cards.

QPR or Watford would seem the obvious choice, given his roots in the south of England, but his time at Villa makes Brum a possibility. The issue could well be around senior chances; having had a season in the reserves at Valencia, the 21-year-old is sure to be keen to get his chance in senior football. Which of the suitors can offer that might dictate which is successful in their pursuit.