Birmingham City have less than a fortnight to put the finishing touches to Chris Davies’ squad, with the transfer deadline looming on Tuesday, September 1. Much of what they have done so far makes a tonne of sense – but that doesn’t mean there isn’t still plenty to do.
Six players have come to St Andrew’s, each of which is underpinned by what at this stage of the season seems decent logic. James Beadle has come back to play the James Beadle role of last season, hopefully a bit better, while Jhon Solis is doing something similar albeit as a full-time Blues player.
Dael Fry more than adequately replaces Jonathan Panzo, adds depth at centre back as well as Championship experience and physical size. Luis Vazquez will support and challenge August Priske, arguably Blues’ most important player. Kristoffer Lund’s arrival compensates for the departure of Kai Wagner. For Tommy Doyle last season, read Max Bird this, only on a permanent basis as opposed to a loan that never quite convinced Davies.
Remaining gaps in the squad
So far each deal has addressed the holes that have appeared. But some still remain. Blues are glaringly deficient at left wing and No. 10. Ibrahim Osman’s return to Brighton and his good form in the Seagulls’ pre-season have made a difficult transfer even harder.
That said, even with fitness doubts over Yankuba Minteh and Kaoru Mitoma, Fabian Hurzeler hardly promised the Ghanaian oodles of first team minutes and that’s with a UEFA Conference League campaign to manage. “I'm also impressed by him (Osman) so far, so let's wait how this continues and then we make the best decision for him and for the club,” the German said.
Demarai Gray himself was having a very good summer until he picked up a niggle and in doing so intensified the fear he might break down again next season just as he did last. Blues need starting level competition, ideally Osman – even on loan – but definitely someone. Preferably a someone with the raw physical traits the 21-year-old brought last term.
No. 10 conundrum
The situation is even more parlous at No. 10 where Paik Seung-ho has been filling in during the first two matches. That’s all well and good away from home when solidity is a prime concern, it will invite criticism of tactical conservatism in matches at St Andrew’s.
Of course the return to full fitness of Gray then means Jay Stansfield can play No. 10/second striker behind August Priske – but not for what will be at least another 46 matches. Blues are looking for a No. 10, with last year’s options Marvin Ducksch and Kanya Fujimoto candidates to leave.
Ducksch’s future has been the subject of speculation all summer and if he looked ill-suited to the rigours of the Championship last season, that’ll be exacerbated as Blues take a more direct and physical approach this term. Fujimoto has done nothing to suggest he can be a convincing Championship-level No. 10.
Potential exits and further additions
As regards incomings there has been talk of a double Ashton Gate dip to bring Bird’s former Bristol City team-mate Scott Twine to St Andrew’s. BirminghamLive understands that’s not in the pipeline. Neither is any development in their initial interest for Sporting Gijon attacking midfielder Cesar Gelabert. Expect whomever they do find to be physically capable of surviving in the English second tier.
Of course other gaps could be created by players leaving, with Blackburn boss Tony Mowbray claimed to be keen on a Sunderland-themed reunion with Patrick Roberts. At the start of 2026 he’d played sufficiently well for Blues to make his loan a permanent transfer. Now he can’t get off the bench. If Roberts does leave Blues will have to sign a back-up or rival for Carlos Vicente’s shirt.
Then there are fringe players like Scott Wright and – fringe for the time being at least – Lee Buchanan who need regular football to get back into the swing of things. In the background new loans manager Darren Carter will be looking to place some of the better Under-21 players as high up the football pyramid as possible. A fortnight remains and there is much to do.
