Birmingham City handed major warning over Adrian Segecic transfer pursuit

Birmingham City warned over Adrian Segecic transfer

Birmingham City have reportedly been told they will need to make a substantial offer if they want to lure Adrian Segecic away from Portsmouth before the summer transfer window shuts.

The Australian attacker has emerged as a potential solution to Birmingham’s ongoing search for a new number 10, with Chris Davies still looking to strengthen his attacking options. The Blues are also hoping to recruit a left winger before Tuesday evening’s deadline.

Segecic has attracted interest following an impressive first campaign at Fratton Park. The 22-year-old scored 10 Championship goals last season and also found the net against Birmingham on the final day of the 2025/26 campaign.

Portsmouth boss John Mousinho is expecting potential approaches for the forward as Championship clubs rush to complete their squads. However, he revealed that Pompey have not yet received a formal offer.

Speaking to The News, Mousinho said there had been no concrete interest so far, although he would not be surprised if bids arrived before the transfer window closes.

Segecic has already made an encouraging start to the new season, scoring twice in his last three appearances despite being deployed away from his preferred position. Mousinho believes his goalscoring record makes him an attractive proposition for clubs looking for attacking reinforcements.

The Portsmouth manager also pointed out that Segecic scored 11 goals in 24 starts last season, highlighting his productivity at such a young age.

The Australian shares several characteristics with Joe Gelhardt, another player Birmingham previously considered before he joined Hull City permanently. Both attackers are left-footed, relatively small in stature and capable of playing behind a central striker, potentially giving Davies an alternative option alongside target man August Priske.

However, Portsmouth have no intention of allowing Segecic to leave for a bargain fee.

The League One champions are believed to be using the sizeable transfer fees paid for other Championship players this summer as a benchmark when assessing Segecic’s value. Will Lankshear, for example, joined Middlesbrough from Tottenham after scoring 12 Championship goals for Oxford United last season, while Ethan Galbraith completed a £10 million move from Swansea City to Stoke City after only one campaign at Championship level.

Mousinho confirmed that Portsmouth initially paid a six-figure fee to sign Segecic and believe his potential sale could generate a significant profit.

Although the manager did not disclose a specific valuation, he suggested Portsmouth have a strong idea of what the forward should be worth based on the fees being paid for comparable players.

With Segecic firmly regarded as one of Portsmouth’s valuable attacking assets, Birmingham may therefore have to spend heavily if they are serious about bringing him to St Andrew’s.