Birmingham City's hopes for a consecutive promotion may not have materialised yet, but a strong January transfer window could reignite their Championship playoff ambitions, according to a new simulation.
Chris Davies's side have enjoyed a positive return to the second tier and remain firmly in the hunt for a top-six finish. With the league table often in flux until the final months, a successful recruitment drive in January could be the catalyst for a decisive promotion push.
The Blues currently sit above West Bromwich Albion in the Midlands pecking order and could capitalise if rivals Leicester City face a points deduction. With several playoff spots seemingly up for grabs, strengthening the squad is seen as crucial.
FM26's Defensive Reinforcements for Blues
To gauge the potential, a simulation was run in Football Manager 2026, jumping ahead to February to see what business the game predicted. The focus was squarely on bolstering a defence that has been among the leakiest in the Championship.
The virtual Blues made three key defensive signings. First, they secured Hannes Delcroix on loan from Burnley. The Haitian centre-back, who impressed at Swansea City last season, could provide a commanding presence if he can avoid past injury troubles.
In a shrewd piece of business, the club was predicted to sign Sondre Tronstad from Blackburn Rovers for around £800,000. The Norwegian midfielder, whose contract expires this summer, has been a pivotal figure at Ewood Park, making over 100 appearances and playing 75% of minutes this season.
Perhaps the most surprising move was the free agent signing of Polish international Pawel Dawidowicz. The 30-year-old, with 139 Serie A appearances for Hellas Verona, was seen as a worthwhile gamble to add experience to the backline.
Low-Risk Loans and a Squad Clear-Out
The simulation also forecast a loan move for Lucas Pitt, a 19-year-old Liverpool defender with limited senior experience. This was viewed as a low-cost option, dependent on the Reds covering his wages.
In terms of departures, FM26 predicted a significant loan exodus for several fringe players who have seen little to no action under Davies this campaign. Menzi Mazwi and Cobi Maddox were sent to Solihull Moors, while Scott Wright was surprisingly loaned to MLS side San Jose Earthquakes.
Other predicted loans included Godfred Boakye to RFC Meux in Belgium, and moves within the non-league pyramid for players like George Wynne (Chippenham Town) and Trae Briscoe (Worthing).
While these moves are purely speculative, they highlight the areas where Birmingham City might look to strengthen. A successful January window, particularly in defence, could be the key to transforming their steady season into a genuine playoff challenge.
