With a comfortable mid-table position in the Championship, Birmingham City are planning a strategic January transfer window to fuel a genuine push for the play-offs.
Under the guidance of manager Chris Davies, the club is in a strong financial position following committed summer spending over the last 18 months. This allows Blues to target value additions rather than panic buys, a crucial advantage as they aim to become a prime destination for players eyeing a potential Premier League project.
Top Targets for Birmingham's Promotion Push
The club's Christmas wish list features several high-profile names, including former Premier League stars and a bold raid on local rivals. The focus is on improving both the starting XI and squad depth, aligning with wider ambitions that include plans for a new stadium.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is a standout name on the radar. Now 32 and a free agent, the former Liverpool and Arsenal midfielder boasts nearly 200 Premier League appearances, a Champions League winner's medal, and 35 England caps. Despite injury setbacks in recent years, he could represent a bargain if fit and motivated.
Craig Dawson is another experienced defender without a club since leaving Wolverhampton Wanderers. The 34-year-old, who has played for eight clubs including West Ham, was linked with a move to St. Andrew's in the summer. His leadership and defensive solidity could be valuable assets for Chris Davies.
Former Favourites and High-Risk, High-Reward Gambles
Che Adams is a former Blues striker admired by the current regime. Now at Torino in Italy's Serie A, the Scottish international has adapted well and maintains a good strike rate. At 29, he is a key figure for Scotland's upcoming World Cup campaign, which may complicate a January move, but a summer transfer could be feasible.
Dele Alli is available as a free agent and Birmingham are thought to be in the frame, though West Bromwich Albion appear a more likely destination due to his connection with their manager Ryan Mason. Any move for the former Tottenham and England star would depend on assurances about his readiness to perform consistently.
The most ambitious link is to Emi Buendia. The 28-year-old Argentine playmaker, whose peak market value was significant, has proven his match-winning ability for Aston Villa. A move for him would signal a major statement of intent from the Birmingham hierarchy.
A Window of Opportunity for Blues
This calculated approach to the January market underscores Birmingham City's growing stability and ambition. The club is closer to the play-off places than the relegation zone, providing a solid platform for a targeted recruitment drive.
Securing even one or two of these targets could provide the quality and experience needed to sustain a top-six challenge. For players like Oxlade-Chamberlain or Buendia, the project at St. Andrew's offers a compelling route back to regular football and a potential shot at the Premier League.
