Phil Neumann's sterling end to the Championship season has eased Birmingham City's concerns at centre-back. However, signing a new left-sided centre-back is no longer the be-all and end-all for the club, but it would be nice to have the option.
Background on the Problem Position
Chris Davies spent a large portion of last season trying to integrate a left-footed centre-back into his starting line-up to allow Christoph Klarer to play on his preferred right side. Eventually, he accepted that Neumann was his captain's best partner. Jack Robinson, Eiran Cashin, and Jonathan Panzo were all signed but failed to provide the balance Ben Davies did during Blues' League One-winning campaign.
Blues' recruitment of left-sided centre-backs in the last 12 months hasn't gone to plan. Regardless of whether Neumann starts next season as first choice, the club could use another option. This time, they have to get it right.
Potential Championship Proven Options
Liam Kitching
Let's start with the long shot. Kitching was one of the best left-sided defenders in the Championship last season. He started 37 of Coventry's 46 Championship matches as they won the title and sealed promotion to the Premier League. Kitching even signed a new contract in February. However, if there's one thing promotion brings, it's uncertainty, and there are no guarantees Kitching will be a starter in the Premier League. Blues winger Patrick Roberts is living proof of just how quickly things can change, having experienced it with Sunderland last year. Should Kitching realize his opportunities are going to be limited, a whole bunch of Championship teams would be interested in his services.
Nathan Wood
Who knows what will happen with Southampton's squad after their players were denied a shot at the Premier League by rule-breaking out of their control. Wood is naturally right-footed, but he has always played on the left for Swansea and Southampton and has developed into a good Championship centre-back. Russell Martin, who signed Wood for Swansea and Southampton, was very complimentary about the centre-back earlier in his career. Martin said: "He is very composed for such a young man and he possesses all the tools you need for a centre-half. He brings physical presence, height and power, and the right mentality. He has an incredible pedigree."
Ben Nelson
Similarly to Wood, Nelson isn't a left-footer but he is comfortable playing out on that side and has played most of his football in the position. Nelson broke through at Leicester last season after a Championship loan at Oxford the season before. The 22-year-old maybe isn't ready to be a starter for a team chasing promotion, but he has plenty of potential as a squad player.
Luis Binks
Binks is a natural leftie. While his career since leaving Tottenham Hotspur's youth set-up has primarily been spent globetrotting, he did have a couple of seasons in the Championship with Coventry. The 24-year-old moved to Danish side Brondby last year and has started 33 games for them this season, showing his durability and availability. Blues are making data-led recruitment decisions, and Binks ranked as one of the most progressive passers from the left-sided centre-back position during his two years in the Championship.
Ben Gibson
An experienced option currently on the books of Stoke City. Blues might want to veer away from a 33-year-old who hasn't played mounds of football in recent years, but as a squad player, Gibson might not be a bad bet. Gibson has played for a bunch of clubs at this level and has the Championship experience Blues' squad lacked last term.
