Birmingham City manager Chris Davies has delivered a clear update on the future of defender Alfons Sampsted, stating there is currently 'no pathway out of the club' for the Icelandic international.
From the Cold to Crucial Cover
The 27-year-old full-back, who was deemed surplus to requirements last summer, is now set for a first-team return over the busy festive schedule. His revival in fortunes comes due to a perfect storm of absences in the Blues' defensive ranks.
New signing Bright Osayi-Samuel has departed to represent Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations, while fellow right-back option Ethan Laird is sidelined through injury. This has prompted a significant shift in planning at St. Andrew's, with Sampsted now viewed as the primary alternative to Tomoki Iwata.
Davies's Direct Message to Sampsted
Chris Davies has held direct talks with the player to communicate his changed status. 'I think Alfons is going to be important and I've spoken to him about that,' Davies confirmed.
He acknowledged the defender's lack of game time but emphasised the new reality: 'With Bright going away – and we're not sure when he's going to come back – with Ethan also injured, Alfons is now an important part and he needs to take his chance when it comes.'
The manager admitted he expects transfer interest in Sampsted in January but revealed the club's stance has hardened. With five matches crammed into 16 days over Christmas and New Year, Davies cannot afford to lose defensive cover.
Festive Fixture Pile-Up Halts Exit Talk
The immediate focus is solely on navigating the demanding fixture list. 'I'm sure he'll be on the pitch soon so there's no pathway out of the club for Fons yet,' Davies stated, using the player's nickname.
The conclusion from the Blues' hierarchy is definitive: a potential January sale has been placed on ice. The club's strategy for the upcoming transfer window is being shaped by these sudden squad limitations, forcing a pragmatic reassessment of Sampsted's role.
Davies's final message was one of challenge and opportunity for the player: 'We just have to keep working with him and hopefully he can take his chance.' For now, Alfons Sampsted's Birmingham City career, once seemingly over, has been granted an unexpected and crucial reprieve.
