As per one of the latest reports by Sky Sports, Championship outfit Birmingham City have agreed to a £2.2million deal to sign Brentford central defender Harlee Dean in what would be a very shrewd late dash just before the end of the ongoing summer transfer window. Dean has entered into the last year of his contract and hasn’t yet reached any sort of a conclusion with the club in order to extend his stay at the Griffin Park and is reportedly set to undergo a medical.
It is perceived that the deal also has a number of potential add-ons for the player who was suspended for the opening game in the English second division this season but has started in all of the last three games. So far, he has registered 1.3 tackles, 0.3 interceptions, 4.3 clearances and 1.7 blocks per game on an average and has continued his fine run of form right from where he ended it in the previous campaign. Thus, it goes without saying that the anticipated acquisition by the Blues would make perfect sense.
Dean emerged through the youth ranks of Dagenham & Redbridge and was promoted to their senior side. In the summer of 2010, Premier League outfit made him sign on the dotted line but he failed to make his presence felt in the ranks of the Saints. Eventually, he was shipped out on loan to Brentford for the 2011-12 season and was then permanently signed by the Bees in the summer of 2012.
Ever since then, he has been making developments of moulding himself into a resolute and trustworthy man at the back and has piled innumerable admirers. He is a solid centre-half who can confidently carry the ball up the pitch and makes well timed and shrewd tackles and interceptions week in and week out on the pitch. The 26-year-old is comfortable with the ball at his feet and is an invaluable asset to have for any Championship side.
Besides, he has notable leadership skills and marshals the backline meticulously. He belongs to a brand of defenders who back themselves as he doesn’t refrain from getting into tight situations. The fact that he has plenty of experience of plying his trade in the Championship shouldn’t go unnoticed. Harry Redknapp’s side haven’t started their new season in a very bright manner, as they have collected merely 4 points from 5 league outings and someone like Dean would be a welcome addition.
Stats Courtesy- Whoscored
