Birmingham City's newly appointed assistant manager Chris Davies has broken his silence on the future of Japanese midfielder Kanya Fujimoto, acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding the player as the club embarks on an exciting new chapter.
The 25-year-old Japanese international finds himself at a career crossroads after spending last season on loan at Portuguese club Casa Pia, with his Birmingham contract set to expire this summer, though the club holds an option to extend for an additional year.
New Era at St Andrew's
Davies, who joins as Mowbray's right-hand man after working with prestigious managers like Brendan Rodgers and Ange Postecoglou, emphasised that definitive decisions about Fujimoto's future will only be made after thorough assessment.
"I know he's been out on loan and his contract is up in the summer, but I need to get to know the players and the squad, and the club will make a decision on that in the coming weeks and months," Davies stated in his first press conference since arriving at St Andrew's.
Fujimoto's Birmingham Journey
The attacking midfielder arrived at Birmingham in January 2023 from Japanese side Tokushima Vortis but has struggled to establish himself in the first team setup. Despite showing flashes of technical brilliance, Fujimoto made just eight appearances for the Blues before his loan move to Portugal.
His time at Casa Pia provided mixed results, with the Japanese playmaker featuring regularly but failing to secure a permanent move, leaving his future hanging in the balance as he returns to the West Midlands.
Strategic Squad Assessment Underway
Davies made it clear that no rash decisions will be made regarding any players, including Fujimoto. "It's too early for me to talk about any individual players in that respect," he commented, highlighting the methodical approach the new management team is taking.
The former Tottenham and Celtic coach brings a wealth of experience from top-level clubs and is expected to play a crucial role in shaping Birmingham's football philosophy under the new ownership led by Tom Wagner.
What Comes Next for the Japanese Midfielder?
With pre-season preparations looming, several factors will determine Fujimoto's fate:
- The new management's assessment of his technical abilities and fit within their system
- Performance during summer training sessions
- The club's broader transfer strategy and squad requirements
- Potential interest from other clubs should Birmingham decide to move him on
As Birmingham City fans eagerly anticipate the new season with renewed optimism, the resolution of Fujimoto's situation represents one of many important decisions facing the revitalised coaching staff at St Andrew's.
