The persistent Portsmouth-linked man’s £500,000 move after talk of Swansea City, Preston North End, Sheffield United & Co
Boss John Mousinho spoke positively of the 22-year-old’s attributes, describing the midfielder as a ‘really good, young prospect’.
Although there was an appreciation of Leonard’s talents, there was some reservations about his ability to step up to the Championship now – which is where Pompey were headed on a never-to-be-forgotten campaign.
It wasn’t just the Blues either, there was a long line of clubs being touted with interest in the Hearts academy youngster – including Swansea, Sheffield United, Plymouth, Cardiff and Preston.
But after two campaigns on loan Northampton, who he scored a cracking goal for at Fratton Park in a 4-1 loss in February, it’s St Andrews where Leonard will be playing his football next term.
Birmingham have handed the classy operator a four-year deal, after their relegation to League One, with Leonard confident he’s arrived at the right club for him.
‘I’m delighted,’ he told Blues TV. ‘As soon as I had the first conversation, I knew this was where I wanted to be.
‘I’m glad to be here and I’m looking forward to it – it’s an honour.
‘I felt like the time was right, it was a long process but I’m glad to be here now.
‘And I knew that Blues was the club that I wanted to play for so I really pushed for the deal to go through.
‘Based on where I am in my career and where Birmingham are trying to get to, I just felt like the ambition of this club really matched my own.’
And Academy lead professional development phase coach Sam Hudson is convinced the Blues possess a player of exciting promise.
Operating on the left wing, Clout was the unlikely star of the Blues’ 3-0 friendly success at the Hawks last week, demonstrating an attacking directness and fearlessness which delighted those present.
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