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Football London
Football London
Sport
Michael Mutch

Emmanuel Longelo sets Birmingham City aim after completing loan move from West Ham United

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.

READ MORE: West Ham squad in full for Tottenham clash with Lucas Paqueta uncertainty

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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