The 5 free agents Birmingham City could sign to turbocharge Championship campaign - including Blackburn Rovers gem

Birmingham City boss Chris Davies has done an impressive job since his move last summer. The Blues have already secured their promotion from League One at the first time of asking. They are in Vertu Trophy action this weekend at Wembley against Peterborough United.

The Midlands have the opportunity to bring in some new faces to further boost their squad. It is no secret that they have spent big since their relegation from the Championship last year. There will be plenty of players available on free transfers this summer though and here is a look at some they should sign...

Birmingham City defensive options

Thierry Small, Charlton Athletic - His contract at Charlton Athletic expires in June and he is due to become available for nothing. At the age of 20-year-old has bags of potential and would be a good pick-up by Birmingham. Speaking earlier this year, he had this to say about his future at The Valley, as per London News Online: “It’s currently under negotiations and I’m just letting my agent deal with it. We will just see where it goes from there. I would love to stay.”

Harry Darling, Swansea City - The Blues are said to be monitoring his situation at Swansea City, according to Wales Online. The 25-year-old, who has been on the books at Cambridge United and MK Dons in the past, has proved himself in the second tier over recent times. He is a defender is comfortable on the ball and has played 36 matches in this campaign and has found the net on four occasions from the back.

Birmingham City midfield and attacking options

John Swift, West Brom - He is facing an uncertain future with Birmingham’s rivals West Brom. He would give Davies’ side more experience if they managed to tempt him to St Andrew’s on a free transfer. The 29-year-old has been with the Baggies since joining them in 2022 from Reading and he has since made 115 appearances in all competitions, finding the net on 16 occasions.

Tyrhys Dolan, Blackburn Rovers - The Blues should try and lure him away from Blackburn Rovers as he would be a smart addition at the top end of the pitch. Dolan, who is from Manchester, has been a key player for the Lancashire outfit since his move there and he has scored five goals and assisted five in 42 outings this term. Rovers’ form has fallen off a cliff since John Eustace’s surprise exit to Derby County.

Emil Riis, Preston North End - He has been a useful option up top for Preston North End over the past few years but it remains to be seen at this stage whether he will be sticking around. The striker would be a shrewd addition for Birmingham as he knows where the back of the net is. When asked about his situation last October, he was coy and said: “Obviously, with the new gaffer it is definitely a possibility. We will have to see what the club says, as well.”