Hull eye Birmingham defender Phil Neumann after Premier League rise

Hull City have identified Birmingham City defender Phil Neumann as a potential signing as they bolster their squad following promotion to the Premier League.

The 29-year-old German joined Birmingham in January 2025 on a pre-contract from Hannover 96, a move hailed as a coup for the Blues at the time. Neumann has featured sporadically under Chris Davies, though his overall contribution has been limited in a disappointing season that saw Birmingham miss the play-offs.

Reporter Rudy Galetti has now revealed that Hull, managed by Sergej Jakirovic, have shown interest in Neumann. The defender is on the newly-promoted side’s shortlist for a new centre-back, though no potential transfer fee has been disclosed.

Neumann remains under contract for two more years at Birmingham, a factor that strengthens the club’s hand in any potential negotiation. He featured for 77 minutes in Birmingham’s pre-season friendly win over Barcelona last week and is expected to start their Championship opener at Sheffield United alongside Christoph Klarer.

According to Sofascore data, Neumann averaged 7.8 balls recovered per game during the 2025/26 Championship season, a figure that reflects his defensive work rate but does not capture standout individual performances.

The link is surprising given Neumann’s lack of headline-grabbing displays for Birmingham last term. His entire career has been spent in the second tier, first in Germany and now in England, raising questions over his readiness for Premier League football.

For Hull, the risk is clear: bringing in a player with no top-flight experience at a time when the club is adjusting to life in the top division. Yet the Tigers’ need for defensive reinforcement could outweigh those concerns.

Birmingham, meanwhile, would view any deal primarily through a financial lens. With Dael Fry already added to the squad and Jack Robinson still at the club, the Blues have sufficient EFL-proven centre-back options. A sale could free up funds for further recruitment.

At 29, Neumann represents a last realistic opportunity for Birmingham to secure a meaningful transfer fee. The club’s own promotion ambitions add another layer: if Neumann leaves, will Birmingham still have the defensive backbone to mount a push for the Championship title?

The player’s personal stance will also shape the outcome. The allure of Premier League football is undeniable for a defender in the prime of his career, but game-time guarantees remain uncertain. Birmingham’s push for promotion could sway his decision—staying may offer more consistent football than a move to Hull.

Both clubs face a complex calculation. Hull must weigh the potential upside of a Championship-proven defender against the risks of integrating him at the highest level. Birmingham must balance financial gain with the need to retain a player who, while not a guaranteed starter, provides valuable depth.

The coming days will reveal whether Hull decide to make a formal approach before the transfer window closes.