Birmingham City are on the verge of completing their first signing of the January transfer window, with manager Chris Davies confirming a deal for defender Kai Wagner is close.
Davies confirms left-back pursuit nearing conclusion
Speaking after his side's 3-0 defeat to Watford on New Year's Day, Davies provided a rare update on transfer activity. The Blues boss admitted the club are finalising an agreement to bring the German left-back to St Andrew's from Major League Soccer side Philadelphia Union.
Davies has been seeking a new option to compete with Alex Cochrane in the full-back position for some time. The potential arrival of the 28-year-old Wagner, who was named in the 2025 MLS Team of the Season alongside icons like Lionel Messi, would add significant pedigree to the squad.
Race against time for Coventry clash
When asked if the paperwork could be completed in time for Wagner to feature against Coventry City this Sunday, Davies offered a cautious response. “There’s a very slim possibility of that,” he told BirminghamLive.
“I’m not sure on the actual paperwork and everything else like that, and obviously their season finished some time ago so he hasn’t been playing, but officially that might be possible.”
What Wagner would bring to Birmingham City
Kai Wagner's inclusion in the MLS end-of-season honours list highlights the quality of the prospective signing. His experience and attacking prowess from the left flank are seen as key attributes that could bolster Davies's defensive options and provide a new threat going forward.
The manager's public confirmation of the advanced talks marks a departure from his usual coyness on incoming transfers, underscoring the club's confidence in getting the deal over the line. For Birmingham City fans, it signals an ambitious start to the winter market as the team looks to strengthen its Championship campaign.
