Birmingham City have been dealt a significant blow this summer with the departure of key left-back Kai Wagner. The German full-back, who created the most chances for the club between January and the end of the season, has returned to Philadelphia Union for personal reasons. Blues currently have Lee Buchanan and Alex Cochrane as senior left-backs, but Buchanan's persistent injury problems leave the position vulnerable. The club may therefore look to bring in reinforcements to avoid being short in that area.
Dennis Cirkin: A Reliable Defensive Option
Dennis Cirkin would be an excellent replacement for Wagner, according to sources. The 24-year-old Latvian defender boasts 75 Championship appearances with Sunderland and was a key part of the defence that helped the Black Cats gain promotion to the Premier League via the playoffs two seasons ago. Cirkin's defensive solidity, strong tackling, and ability to stop crosses fit perfectly into Chris Davies's system, where the right-back pushes high and the left-back must stay disciplined. Moreover, financial sense is in play: Cirkin is a free agent after his Sunderland contract expired at the end of the 2025/26 season, allowing Blues to secure a cheap replacement and allocate funds elsewhere.
Harry Amass: Young Prospect with Loan Potential
Harry Amass, a 19-year-old Manchester United academy product, is another viable target. Last season, he spent time on loan at Sheffield Wednesday and Norwich City. Despite Wednesday's struggles, Amass impressed at left-back before being recalled by United in January. His subsequent loan at Norwich was less successful, with only one appearance. However, Amass showcased strong possession skills and tackling ability, marking him as a promising Championship-level full-back. With a place in United's first team unlikely this season, a loan move to the Championship for 2026/27 seems probable. Blues should consider such a deal to replace Wagner.
James Penrice: Creative Scottish Full-Back
James Penrice has attracted interest from multiple clubs following a standout season with AEK Athens, where he played 33 games and helped the team win the Greek Super League. The 27-year-old Scottish defender is also a creative force, having recorded seven assists in his final season at Heart of Midlothian before moving to Greece. This chance-creation ability mirrors Wagner's impact. However, Penrice is linked with Celtic, Rangers, Middlesbrough and Blackburn Rovers, making a deal challenging for Blues. Still, his availability after a strong campaign makes him a compelling target to provide competition and depth at left-back.
With Wagner's departure, Birmingham City must act swiftly to ensure they are not left short. Whether through a free agent like Cirkin, a loan for Amass, or a competitive signing like Penrice, the club has several options to bolster their defence for the new season.
