Nikola Zigic is back at Birmingham City, after receiving a work-permit and signing a short-term deal for the rest of the season.
The 34-year-old initially linked up with the Blues when they were still a Premier League side in 2010, with the Midlands club paying a fee in the region of £6million to take him from Valencia. He was on the scoresheet as the Blues secured a memorable 2-1 win over Arsenal to lift the League Cup in February 2011, but they were relegated to the second-flight at the end of his debut season.
Although many pundits expected Zigic to leave St Andrews following their drop into the Championship, there was little interest and he ended up seeing out the remaining three years on his contract, scoring 28 goals in 103 appearances before leaving this summer. However, he linked up with his pals for training last month, and has now been handed a deal for the rest of the campaign.
“We are delighted to have agreed a deal with Nikola and secured a work permit,” club director Panos Pavlakis told the Birmingham City website. “With Nikola’s signing, following those of Michael Morrison and Guy Moussi, our fans can rest assured that we are doing everything we can to support Gary [Rowett, manager] and strengthen the team even more. That has to be the focus.”
Although he has his work permit, Zigic will not be eligible for make a second debut when Birmingham travel to Blackpool on Saturday as he requires a new visa. He is, though, hopeful of being in receipt of such documentation next weekend for the visit of Reading. After a disappointing start to the season the Blues are unbeaten in five, from which they have won three times.
Birmingham fans, are you pleased to see Zigic back at your club? Let us know what you think by joining in with the discussion below.
