Birmingham City are being encouraged to make a sensational January swoop for former Manchester United and England midfielder Jesse Lingard, who is currently a free agent.
A Nightmare Before Christmas for Blues
The call comes after a dismal 3-0 away defeat to Sheffield United just before the festive period, a result that highlighted the team's ongoing struggles. Birmingham have now lost nine Championship games this season, with a particularly poor record on their travels. They have suffered eight defeats in 12 away matches, averaging a meagre 0.67 points per game on the road—the worst such record in the division.
Despite significant summer investment to build a squad considered among the strongest in the Championship, manager Tony Mowbray is expected to seek reinforcements in the January transfer window to reignite a push for promotion.
Why Lingard Could Be the Perfect Fit
Jesse Lingard is available after mutually agreeing to terminate his contract with South Korean side FC Seoul. The 32-cap England international boasts a wealth of top-level experience, including 182 Premier League appearances, 29 goals, 17 assists, and a Europa League winner's medal from 2017. He also has FA Cup and League Cup triumphs to his name.
Crucially, Lingard is no stranger to St Andrew's. He enjoyed a highly productive loan spell at Birmingham City during the 2013/14 season under Lee Clark. He announced himself with four goals on his debut in a 4-1 win over Sheffield Wednesday, finishing that half-season with six goals and three assists in just 13 appearances.
Advocates for his signing argue that, unlike other linked players such as Dele Alli—who has struggled for fitness and form for years—Lingard has proven he can make an immediate impact. His recent spell in South Korea, where he scored 19 goals and provided 10 assists in 67 games while captaining FC Seoul, demonstrated his commitment and ability to adapt.
A Potential Promotion Catalyst
The free agent market has already proven fruitful for Championship rivals this season, with Sheffield United's signing of Patrick Bamford cited as a prime example. A short-term deal for Lingard could provide Birmingham with a similar boost.
While his exact fitness level may be a question mark, his pedigree and previous connection with the club present a compelling case. Signing a player of his calibre could generate a significant feel-good factor among supporters and add crucial quality and experience to the squad for the promotion run-in.
Lingard himself has spoken about his move to Seoul as a chance to "reset" and focus solely on football, away from distractions. A return to Birmingham could offer him the perfect platform to reignite his career in English football while providing the Blues with the creative spark they desperately need.
