Emmanuel Longelo is hoping to make an impact in the Championship with Birmingham City after completing a loan move from West Ham United.
The left-back will join up with the Blues for the 2022/23 season. Longelo rose up through the Irons' academy ranks to make his senior debut against Hull City in a Carabao Cup clash in September 2020.
The 21-year-old also featured in last season’s Europa League run, playing a full 90 minutes in a group stage fixture against Dinamo Zagreb. Within the academy, Longelo has played over 100 times for West Ham’s U18 and U21 squads, racking up 61 Premier League 2 appearances in total.
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Originally a midfielder, Longelo showcased his versatility with the Hammers academy, playing in a number of different positions as a midfielder and forward. In recent years, the 21-year-old has transformed into an adventurous left-back.
Now at Birmingham, Longelo is looking to develop further at senior level. “I am buzzing to join a club like Birmingham and help them push on in the Championship. This is a good league and a good experience for me,” Longelo told the Birmingham City club website.
“I am here to play games and get experience as well. To come to a team like Birmingham, it will help me develop a lot. I am very, very excited to be here. I have got pace and a bit of flair, I can also defend, so I have a bit of everything. I have come here to prove myself.”
Longelo joins a Birmingham side who have had a difficult start in the Championship. The Blues are currently one place above the relegation zone with five points from their opening seven matches.
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