The loan spell of Brighton & Hove Albion defender Eiran Cashin at Birmingham City is increasingly likely to be cut short when the January transfer window opens.
A promising move that hasn't delivered
Birmingham City turned to their Premier League connections heavily during the summer, with mixed results. While goalkeeper James Beadle has cemented himself as the first choice, the situation surrounding centre-back Eiran Cashin is far less certain. Brighton, who invested £9 million to sign Cashin from Derby County, are understood to be deeply unsatisfied with his lack of opportunities at St Andrew's and are now weighing up a recall.
On paper, the transfer appeared astute. Cashin had impressed in the Championship with Derby, and Brighton's reputation for shrewd recruitment added weight to the deal. However, Birmingham head coach Chris Davies has admitted the 24-year-old "just hasn't really got going" since his arrival.
Limited chances and a costly error
Cashin's primary opportunity came in a start against Sheffield Wednesday at the end of September, but it proved disastrous. His performance contributed directly to two goals for the opposition, and Birmingham needed a 99th-minute Demarai Gray equaliser to salvage a draw against the then-bottom side.
Since that match, chances have been scarce. Davies has praised Cashin's "outstanding" training mentality, highlighting his professionalism despite being a peripheral figure. However, the manager also noted the player arrived lacking rhythm after not playing for six months prior to the move.
"I've spoken to Brighton regularly and I've spoken to Cashin regularly," Davies stated, "and we'll see how that all positions itself by January."
An inevitable conclusion in January?
The reality for Cashin is that he currently appears to be the fourth-choice centre-back at Birmingham, behind Christoph Klarer, Phil Neumann, and likely even Jack Robinson. For a player of his age and value, such a situation renders the loan arrangement largely pointless.
With Brighton eager to see their asset develop through regular football, a January recall seems the most logical outcome. This would also free up a valuable loan slot for Birmingham City if they wish to pursue a replacement. The defender's future in the West Midlands now hangs by a thread, with a permanent exit from the Seagulls' plans in the new year appearing an increasingly probable scenario for all parties involved.
