Benitez rejected by Blues

Birmingham fans finally see the back of him.

Benitez rejected by Blues

Birmingham boss Alex McLeish will be in the market for a new striker this summer after sending Christian ‘Chucho’ Benitez back to Mexican side Santos Laguna.

The Ecuador international arrived on loan at St Andrew’s last summer and Blues had the option of making the move permanent for around £6m.

But McLeish looks to have baulked at the valuation in light of Benitez’s return of just four goals in his 36 appearances for the Midlands outfit.

Chucho was a good enabling striker mid-year when Birmingham had a good matchup or two-games. But he completely fell off the radar only reappearing at the end of the season in a cameo role.

If I had to guess though, I would say he'll reappear in England. Perhaps a promoted club in need of a striker *cough*WestBrom*cough*, or a Championship team looking to get over the hump and into the Premier League, or one who loses a striker to a bigger club *cough*Leeds*cough*.