Birmingham City have announced via their official website that Emilio Nsue has left St Andrew’s on a permanent deal, linking up with Cypriot outfit, APOEL FC.

Nsue has agreed a two-and-a-half year deal with his new employers, leaving Birmingham for an undisclosed fee, just a year after arriving at St Andrew’s from Middlesbrough.

The full-back joined Birmingham on a permanent deal from Boro last January, but the 28-year-old departs just 12 months into a three-and-a-half year deal at St Andrew’s, linking up with APOEL.

During his year with the Blues, Nsue featured on 38 occasions for the club, including making 20 appearances across all competitions this season under Harry Redknapp and Steve Cotterill, although the defender has recently lost his place to the returning Maxime Colin.

Nsue’s last appearance for the club came in the 2-0 victory over Reading on January second, with the defender appearing as a 72^nd minute substitute for the Blues.

The 28-year-old departs St Andrew’s with Birmingham sitting 23^rd in the Championship table, facing the prospect of another fight for survival.

Cotterill’s side are one-point adrift of Hull City and safety after 26 fixtures of the season.

The Verdict

Reports linking another Birmingham full-back, Carl Jenkinson, with a return to Arsenal make this transfer a surprise, as his departure could leave the Blues short of options at full-back despite Colin’s return.

Nsue has been steady for Birmingham over the last year, and it is perhaps a surprise to see him move on so soon after arriving at St Andrew’s.

The likelihood is that the 28-year-old’s departure will bring a mixed response from Birmingham’s supporters.

Birmingham fans… Let us know your thoughts!