Birmingham City are actively seeking attacking reinforcements before the transfer window closes, with a focus on signing a new number 10. Manager Chris Davies has started Paik Seung-ho in the advanced midfield role in the opening two matches of the season, but interest in Joe Gelhardt suggests the club is targeting a more attack-minded player.
Davies explains tactical approach to number 10 role
Davies has the option of fielding a midfielder behind his striker with Paik and Max Bird, but he acknowledged the need for flexibility. Asked whether he still favours a more attacking profile in the role, Davies said: "There's a time and a place for it, I would say. The danger when you do that is unless they are really able to participate in their midfield duties you can become a little bit 4-2-4ish and that's a concern for me. Sometimes we didn't get to grips with that well enough last season."
He added: "You can see what I've looked at in the last few weeks with Paik and I think it might be more horses for courses. What's the team we're up against? What do we need?"
Perfect fits: Mehmeti, O'Hare and Cantwell
Anis Mehmeti, now at Ipswich Town after a cut-price £3m move from Bristol City in January, helped the Tractor Boys win promotion. He contributed to 17 league goals last season. Ipswich have spent heavily since promotion, and Mehmeti's place in their XI is not guaranteed. If a return to the Championship becomes possible, Blues could benefit from signing him.
Callum O'Hare, a 28-year-old Sheffield United player, has consistently delivered at least 10 goals and assists combined in the Championship, peaking at eight goals and five assists last season. Despite his Aston Villa past, he comes from a family of Bluenoses and is related to former Blues skipper Ian Clarkson. O'Hare has two years remaining on his contract, which was signed when Sheffield United were flush with parachute payments.
Todd Cantwell, also 28, has played 152 games in the Championship and nearly 50 in the Premier League. He won the Championship twice with Norwich and was part of the Bournemouth squad that sealed promotion in 2022. Last season, he posted five goals and three assists for a struggling Blackburn Rovers side.
Wildcards: Carey and Bae Jun-ho
Sonny Carey, now 25, improved in his second full Championship season after joining Charlton from Blackpool. He scored eight goals for a Charlton team that were the third lowest scorers in the division last season. However, his assists column shows only two, and he created just eight big chances in 46 league games. For context, Jay Stansfield created 12 big chances for Blues last season.
Bae Jun-ho has been linked with a move away from Stoke City since the end of last season but remains at the club. The South Korean, about to turn 23, has contributed to 19 goals (seven goals and 12 assists) in three Championship seasons. He is viewed as a player with enormous potential but has only shown his talent sporadically. Blues appear keen to sign ready-made difference makers this summer.
