Birmingham City are aiming to break the League One transfer record with a significant deal for Sparta Rotterdam striker Tobias Lauritsen, according to German publication Fussball Europa.
The Blues are reportedly preparing an offer between £5 million and £6 million for the 26-year-old Norwegian, as they aim to secure promotion back to the Championship after last season’s relegation. Birmingham endured a difficult campaign, finishing 22nd in the Championship and going through six managers. However, with investment from owner Tom Wagner and backing from an ownership group that includes NFL legend Tom Brady, the club is ready to spend unprecedented amounts in the third tier. They are rumored to be planning up to £20 million in summer spending, with new manager Chris Davies having considerable financial support to achieve promotion.
The current League One transfer record is held by Sunderland, who paid £3 million for Will Grigg in 2019. A deal for Lauritsen could nearly double that record. Lauritsen has scored 28 goals in 73 games for Sparta Rotterdam since joining in 2022, finishing as the top scorer for two consecutive seasons and narrowly missing out on European qualification in 2022/23. Before his time in the Netherlands, Lauritsen scored 73 goals in his native Norway, including 32 during a five-year stint at Eliteserien side Odd. Despite his impressive performance, he remains uncapped by the Norway national team, partly due to competition from stars like Erling Haaland.
Lauritsen’s contract with Sparta Rotterdam expires next summer, so the Dutch club is likely eager to sell to avoid losing him for free. A move to Birmingham City would be a major coup for the ambitious club, who are clear about their high targets for the season.
Writer’s View:
If the deal goes through, it would signal Birmingham City’s strong intent to return to the Championship. Lauritsen, with his top-flight experience and in his peak years, would be an excellent acquisition. This move would likely unsettle rival fans, and with further investments potentially on the horizon from owner Wagner, it’s clear that Birmingham City is not holding back this season.