Third-most expensive signing set for release as Birmingham City decision beckons

Birmingham City are yet to reach an agreement to extend Ivan Sunjic’s contract ahead of a probable summer exodus at St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park.

The Croatian midfielder, who cost £6.3 million from Dinamo Zagreb back in 2019, remains Blues’ third-most expensive signing of all time behind Emile Heskey and David Dunn. It would come as a real blow if Sunjic were to depart for nothing after how much he set the club back, especially as he’s in his prime years.

It awaits to be seen if the 27-year-old would be interested in staying after Birmingham’s relegation to League One but the drop in division would make him a key player. Including the final-day clash against Norwich City, Sunjic featured in 36 Championship matches during 2023/24, not quite reaching the 40, 43 and 41-game totals of seasons gone by.

Blues must weigh up many Sunjic factors

There are both positives and negatives of keeping the one-time Croatia international around. Sunjic is a battler and would help form a strong core at the base of midfield. He’s also got impressive stamina, rarely gets injured and boasts European experience from his time in his home nation.

However, Sunjic often struggles when up against a high press and his passing range is limited. His wages are also among the highest at the football club.

A significant reduction would be required to make a new deal feasible but the player might not accept those terms, ultimately taking the decision out of Birmingham’s hands.