The speedy winger, who is eligible for the Ivory Coast, Scotland and England, joins from AFC Bournemouth for an undisclosed fee, subject to league and FA clearance, and has signed a three-year contract.
He was a Sky Bet Championship winner with the Cherries as recently as May 2022 and in his previous season at this level, recorded 37 appearances and 10 goal contributions.
Last term, he was part of a Bournemouth squad that secured Premier League survival and also made 12 appearances during a loan spell to Auxerre.
Speaking to BluesTV, the 26-year-old expressed his delight at the move and explained why he chose Birmingham City over a number of other potential suitors.
“It made perfect sense to come here, it looks like it is going to be a new and exciting project, so I thought it would be a great move for me. I also spoke to Craig (Gardner) and the Gaffer (John Eustace) and they were really positive.
“Obviously, I know Birmingham is a great club, I’m really looking forward to getting to play in front of the fans for the first time. I’ve heard it’s a great crowd!
Dembele’s football journey started in Scotland where his family had relocated from the Ivory Coast via London, and he spent three years as a youth at Dundee United before a switch to Ayr United’s Academy in 2015.
Opportunities then arose through the Nike Most Wanted and Nike Football Academy, with these leading to trials at Barnsley and Huddersfield Town ahead of him signing for Grimsby Town following the conclusion of the 2016/17 season.
On his professional debut, he recorded an assist during the Mariners’ 1-3 success over Chesterfield and scored his first senior goal in the October, with his performances earning him the EFL’s Young Player of the Month Award.
Dembele’s football journey started in Scotland where his family had relocated from the Ivory Coast via London, and he spent three years as a youth at Dundee United before a switch to Ayr United’s Academy in 2015.
Opportunities then arose through the Nike Most Wanted and Nike Football Academy, with these leading to trials at Barnsley and Huddersfield Town ahead of him signing for Grimsby Town following the conclusion of the 2016/17 season.
On his professional debut, he recorded an assist during the Mariners’ 1-3 success over Chesterfield and scored his first senior goal in the October, with his performances earning him the EFL’s Young Player of the Month Award.
