Emanuel Aiwu transfer update emerges after Birmingham City declined £3m option

Emanuel Aiwu appears to be on his way out of Cremonese despite Birmingham City declining their option to sign the Austrian centre-back on a permanent basis.

Aiwu made 25 appearances during a season-long loan at Blues last season as the team suffered relegation from the Championship. The 23-year-old was a fixture in the team under Wayne Rooney but he was used sparingly by the other managers who led Blues in 2023/24.

Blues had the option to sign Aiwu on a permanent deal for around £3 million but they decided against taking it up. The defender has now returned to Italian side Cremonese where his future will be decided.

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The chances of him staying in Italy appear slim and reports in Aiwu’s homeland are linking him with a move to LASK. Oberösterreichische Nachrichten claims LASK, who finished third in the Austrian Bundesliga last term, are keen on taking Aiwu back to Austria.

Aiwu began his career with Admira Wacker before moving on to Rapid Wien in 2021. He only spent 12 months in their first team before landing a transfer to Italy.

Cremonese suffered relegation from Serie A in Aiwu's first season and have failed to win promotion back to the top flight.