We’re just a few days away from Birmingham City’s players returning for their usual pre-season tests and fitness drills ahead of the 2022/23 season and as it stands, there won’t be many of them.
A cloud of uncertainty hangs among the club at surrounding ownership at this current moment in time and during transfer season, there’s nothing worse.
The current owners won’t want to spend money in case a sale goes through and prospective owners won’t be able to make signings because - well - they aren’t the owners.
It’s all a bit of a mess but regardless of who is in charge, free agents and loan signings are looking the most likely scenario for Blues as they continue to recover from their over-spend a few years ago.
Sometimes free agents are often overlooked by some as not good enough but taking a look at some available - that couldn’t be further from the truth.
There are a number of released players from the Premier League and Championship in particular that could really help this Blues team out - though in fairness - they don’t have to be world beaters to do that at current!
We’ve taken a look at 13 players who are currently free agents or are due to be when their contract expires at the end of the month (June 30) to see who among them could be realistic targets for Blues this summer.
The current owners won’t want to spend money in case a sale goes through and prospective owners won’t be able to make signings because - well - they aren’t the owners.
5. GK - Ben Foster
Still much-loved by Bluenoses after his former spell with the club, Foster is now a free agent following expiry of his deal at Watford. Veteran in the finest sense at 39 but would be great to have around the place for a year or two.
6. GK - John Ruddy
Another goalkeeper that could have a few more years left in the tank - Ruddy would be a superb signing for any Championship club. 35-years-old but would arguably be the best in division still. Photo: Nathan Stirk
7. RB - Martin Kelly
Struggled with injury in his last year at Crystal Palace but could be worth a gamble. Can play right-back and centre-back and would bring with him heaps of Premier League experience.
8. CM - Conor Hourihane
Would he swap Villa for Blues? Who knows. But looking past the rivalry, Hourihane is a superb player at Championship level and would be a real nice addition at St Andrew’s. Photo: Nathan Stirk