Grimsby Town have announced their second deadline day signing, with Birmingham City forward Keyendrah Simmonds joining on loan until January 2023.
The 21-year-old moved to Birmingham from Premier League Champions Manchester City after coming through the academy system with the Citizens and enjoying great success with their Under-18s side. He made eight appearances in the Premier League 2 with Birmingham's Under-23 side last season, scoring three goals and providing an assist.
Simmonds scored 22 goals in 38 appearances over two seasons in the U18 Premier League, operating across the front three and at times behind the striker, which illustrated his adaptability and versatility as a forward player. Simmonds played five times for the England U18s side back in 2018, which illustrates the pedigree he had while coming through the City academy.
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Hurst told gtfc.co.uk: "He is a player that has clearly got ability. He was at Man City and has been involved with England but it hadn't quite gone for him at City and went to Birmingham. Again, it probably hasn't quite happened for him as yet but nobody is doubting the ability that the player has.
"Hopefully, we can give him a platform to show that and give us again, more attacking options. He is quite a versatile player in the final third of the pitch so we will get him in, see where we can utilise him best but he is certainly a player who is very creative, very skilful and he can create and score goals, hopefully for us!".
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