Birmingham City manager Chris Davies has overseen a remarkable 38 signings since taking charge two years ago. The club had to rebuild a squad for League One, with 17 players arriving in the summer of 2024 and three more in January 2025. Davies added 12 signings last summer and another six in January 2026, but the team finished 10th in the Championship, missing the play-offs.
Recruitment process
Not all signings are solely the manager's responsibility. Blues have a growing recruitment team led by director of football Craig Gardner and head of recruitment Joe Carnall. At a recent Open House event, Gardner explained: "We've created a football committee with robust processes around recruitment. Everything is data-driven. We produce a top-five for every position, then Chris picks the final piece."
Summer 2024 signings
Ryan Allsop - 8
The goalkeeper was a success in League One and remains a dependable back-up in the Championship. His quality in possession is unique.
Bailey Peacock-Farrell - 4
A mistake to sign him on a four-year contract. He struggled with the ball at his feet and made errors, leading to his departure in January 2025.
Christoph Klarer - 10
Player of the Year in successive seasons and virtually ever-present. The Austrian has become captain and lynchpin.
Ben Davies - 8
Joined as fourth-choice centre-back but quickly became Klarer's undroppable partner. His departure last summer was a loss.
Alfons Sampsted - 6
A consummate professional who never let Davies down, but others were always ahead of him in the pecking order.
Alex Cochrane - 8
A dependable signing who stepped up to the Championship. Needs to improve to fend off Kai Wagner's challenge.
Tomoki Iwata - 9
Outstanding in League One and good in the Championship. Versatile performer at right-back and midfield.
Marc Leonard - 8
A solid investment at under £500,000. Limited starts but good business; would have tripled in value before his Achilles injury.
Taylor Gardner-Hickman - 7
Arrived with a better pedigree for over £1m. Young and competent, but return on investment uncertain.
Scott Wright - 6
Bad luck with injuries limited him to 20 appearances in League One. Unlikely to make an impact now.
Emil Hansson - 4
Fooled by his numbers in the Netherlands; not robust enough for English football. Sold in January.
Ayumu Yokoyama - 5
A project player who showed promise but never convinced Davies. Loan to Genk hasn't worked out.
Willum Willumsson - 6.5
Two good months in League One, then faded. Sold in January.
Luke Harris - 6
Signed for League One squad depth. Served its purpose without excitement.
Jay Stansfield - 9
Forget the price tag; his goals and assists were pivotal. Only three players played more minutes in the Championship.
Alfie May - 8
Stole him from Huddersfield, got 58 games and a good return, then sold for profit. Excellent business.
Lyndon Dykes - 7
Scored some enormous goals for a low fee. Not as dominant as needed.
January 2025 signings
Grant Hanley - 6
Experienced body to fill a need. Served its purpose.
Kieran Dowell - 8
Real impact with 10 goal contributions in 23 appearances. Creative force.
Lee Myung-jae - 6
Cover at left-back, helped him get fit between K-League seasons.
Summer 2025 signings
James Beadle - 6.5
Upgraded goalkeeper with excellent saves but occasional mistakes. Youthful inconsistency.
Bright Osayi-Samuel - 5.5
Showed ability late in the season but didn't meet expectations earlier. Needs to justify his contract.
Phil Neumann - 7
Took time to adapt but finished the season strongly as one of the best performers.
Eiran Cashin - 4
Effort was there but clearly didn't fit. Early errors cost him.
Jack Robinson - 4.5
Remembered for two red cards, an own goal, and a penalty. Signed a year or two too late.
Tommy Doyle - 6
Exceptional at home but couldn't impose himself away. Excluded from away games post-January.
Demarai Gray - 7
Sentimental signing. Started slow, took off in November, then injured. Key next season.
Lewis Koumas - 5
Picked for intensity and pace but didn't fit. Loan cut short.
Patrick Roberts - 7
Last-minute signing that worked. Important in first half of season. Pressing question remains.
Kanya Fujimoto - 3
Davies showed little interest. Clearly not aligned.
Kyogo Furuhashi - 3
Pound-for-pound worst signing. One Championship goal for a large outlay.
Marvin Ducksch - 6.5
Quality and goals but went missing often. Didn't suit Davies' pressing mantra.
January 2026 signings
Kai Wagner - 8
Solid left-back who adapted quickly. Should start next season.
Jhon Solis - 8
Proved to be the central midfielder needed. Age, profile, and potential make him a very good signing.
Ibrahim Osman - 8
Loan went so well that Blues want him back. No option to buy, but good identification.
August Priske - 7
Long-term project. Showed suitability to English football. £6m investment with good signs.
Carlos Vicente - 7.5
Started slowly but finished flying. Could be a big player next season.
Jonathan Panzo - 5
Short-term solution that only solved the problem for two games. Another miss at left-sided centre-back.
