Jiri Jarosik will spend the next season in Birmingham. The 27-year-old midfielder has rented himself for one season with the local team.
The Czech national team footballer, who did not find a place in the London team, will be able to sign a long-term contract with the new team after the next season. J. Jarosik, who arrived in England from Moscow in January of this year, has played only three games in the English Premier League.
"He is a strong midfielder, playing very well in the air," said Birmingham coach Steve Bruce. "I think he is best at playing in an attacking midfielder position, where he could successfully 'close down' passes on the edge of the field. I am particularly impressed by J. Jarosik's versatility."
J. Jarosik began his professional football career in 1995 at Liberec's Slovan team. Later, the Czech player moved to Prague's Slavia team, before finally moving to Moscow's CSKA in 2003. In Russia, the midfielder played 48 matches and scored 11 goals.
The Birmingham newcomer is expected to debut in tomorrow's match against Chelsea. He will replace the recently acquired Ghanaian national team footballer Michael Essien.