Birmingham City find themselves facing a crucial decision regarding the future of Swedish winger Emil Hansson as his loan spell at Blackpool reaches a critical juncture.
A Promising Start Derailed by Injury
When Emil Hansson joined Birmingham City from Heracles in 2024, the move represented an exciting step in his career. The Swedish international arrived with an impressive record of goal contributions and was considered one of the most promising among 17 summer signings that season.
However, Hansson's debut campaign at St Andrew's failed to meet expectations. Three separate muscular injuries severely disrupted his 2024/25 season, limiting his role in Blues' record-breaking League One title triumph to a supporting capacity rather than the leading part initially envisioned.
Surprising Loan Move to Blackpool
With new manager Chris Davies preparing Birmingham for their Championship campaign, Hansson was deemed surplus to requirements for the second tier challenge. In a somewhat unexpected development, the 27-year-old secured a loan move to League One side Blackpool, where former Blues manager Steve Bruce had just taken charge.
Bruce reunited with two Birmingham players at Bloomfield Road, signing both Hansson and goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell. While Peacock-Farrell has established himself as Blackpool's first-choice goalkeeper, Hansson's opportunities have been considerably more limited, making just two league starts for the third tier strugglers.
New Manager Brings Fresh Opportunities
The managerial landscape at Blackpool shifted when Steve Bruce departed and former club captain Ian Evatt assumed control. This change has coincided with a slight improvement in Hansson's fortunes.
Under Evatt's guidance, Blackpool have won both of their league matches, with Hansson appearing as a substitute in each. The Swedish winger made a notable impact against promotion favourites Cardiff City last weekend, coming off the bench to provide an assist for Ashley Fletcher's second goal in a 3-1 victory.
Evatt's tactical approach has required Hansson to adapt to a new position. With Blackpool abandoning traditional wingers in favour of a 3-5-2 formation, Hansson is now being deployed as one of two number eights in midfield.
"I like my number eights to attack, I like them in between the lines," Evatt explained after using Hansson and fellow winger Josh Bowler in midfield roles. "They are attacking players who have very good attacking third detail - they're difference makers."
The Blackpool manager added: "From what I've seen in training, they're very good receivers and very good dribblers. If we can get them receiving the ball in those half spaces, in between lines, then they can cause a lot of trouble."
January Decision Looms for Birmingham
With the January transfer window just six weeks away, Hansson is entering a defining period of his Blackpool loan. Birmingham City's decision-makers will be closely monitoring his playing time and performance levels under the new management.
If Hansson fails to secure more regular first-team football at Bloomfield Road, Birmingham may explore the possibility of recalling the player or arranging an alternative loan move elsewhere in January. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Hansson can establish himself as a key figure in Ian Evatt's plans or if Birmingham will need to intervene.
