Birmingham City manager Harry Redknapp has explained why he signed Arsenal defender Carl Jenkinson on loan this summer.
Jenkinson completed his loan move to Birmingham yesterday and manager Harry Redknapp believes the signing is a coup.
Speaking to the Birmingham Mail, he said: “We’re delighted to have him, he brings experience, he’s got pace, he’s a really attacking right-back. I think he’s a really good signing for us.
“I’m surprised I managed to get him in the Championship because there were a few Premier League teams in for him as well. I’m really pleased to have him.”
Jenkinson did show during his time at Arsenal that he was more than willing to drive forward with the ball and could produce some decent crosses and the end of his runs. Unfortunately, the rest of his game didn’t develop and it became apparent he wasn’t of the level required.
He moved to West Ham on loan for two seasons, but a mixture of injuries and poor form cut that short. Last January, he came close to joining Crystal Palace, but the move collapsed. Now on loan at a Championship club, one wonders if he regrets that decision.
The Premier League interest mentioned by Redknapp reportedly came from Swansea, Newcastle and Brighton, but none of those clubs were quite willing to meet Jenkinson’s wage demands.
Though the details of the loan haven’t been confirmed, it’s likely that Arsenal will be paying a large percentage of Jenkinson’s wage for the duration of the season, I’d assume. The hope will be that he impresses enough to earn a permanent move elsewhere.