Birmingham City manager Chris Davies handed a debut to former Chelsea defender Jonathan Panzo as his side faced Leeds United at St. Andrew’s on Saturday, with six changes made to the Birmingham starting eleven.
Panzo, who joined Birmingham from Portuguese side Rio Ave at the start of February, was included in a lineup that also saw a first start for Danish striker August Priske, signed last month from Swedish club Djurgaarden. Birmingham City’s starting XI consisted of Allsop, Oyasi-Samuel, Klarer, Panzo, Wagner, Doyle, Jhon Solis, Vicente, Stansfield, Gray, and Priske.
Leeds United boss Daniel Farke also made six changes to his team, giving a full debut to Facundo Buonanotte, who is on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion after a spell at Chelsea. Buonanotte had previously made a substitute appearance for Leeds against Arsenal. Leeds’ lineup featured Perri, Justin, Gudmundsson, Bijol, Bornauw, Longstaff, Tanaka, Buonanotte, Gnonto, Okafor, and Nmecha.
The arrival of Panzo at Birmingham City represents the final addition to Davies’ squad during the January transfer window, bolstering the team’s defensive options. The 25-year-old has signed a six-month contract with the club, according to reports. Panzo has previously played for several Championship clubs, including Nottingham Forest, Coventry City, and Cardiff City, as well as having spells in France, and Belgium.
Buonanotte’s debut for Leeds comes after his loan move from Brighton, offering Farke another attacking option. The 21-year-old’s arrival adds further competition for places in the Leeds squad.
