Birmingham City's next January transfer deal could be EFL veteran with two career promotions

Birmingham City have already delved into the market this winter to sign left-back Kai Wagner from Philadelphia Union. They are looking to bring in some more new faces over the coming weeks. The Blues picked up a crucial 3-2 win at home to Coventry City over the weekend.

Striker Marvin Ducksch scored twice against the Sky Blues, whilst Liverpool loanee Lewis Koumas also got himself on the score sheet. That result has eased some pressure off head coach Chris Davies. Next up is an FA Cup away trip to Cambridge United on Saturday.

Birmingham City target Sunderland defender Luke O’Nien

Birmingham are interested in a move for Sunderland defender Luke O’Nien, according to a report by ChronicleLive. West Brom and Coventry City have also been mentioned as potential suitors. The centre-back’s contract at the Stadium of Light expires in June 2027.

O’Nien, 31, has been on the books of the Black Cats since joining them back in 2018. He has been a great servant to the North East outfit over the last eight years and has helped them rise from League One to the Premier League. The Hemel Hempstead-born man has made 314 appearances for them in all competitions to date, scoring 23 goals from the back.

Prior to his switch to Sunderland, he spent three years at Wycombe Wanderers. He went on to play 119 matches for the Chairboys during his time at Adams Park and he found the net on 16 occasions. O’Nien is a graduate of the Watford academy and rose up through their youth ranks. However, he played only once for their first-team as a youngster and was loaned out away from Vicarage Road to Wealdstone in non-league to get some experience under his belt.

Would Luke O’Nien suit Birmingham City?

O’Nien knows what it takes to get out of the second tier. He played a key role behind Sunderland’s promotion in the last campaign. The Black Cats beat Sheffield United in the play-off final last May after Tommy Watson’s late Wembley winner.

He has seen his minutes dry up in the top flight though. Therefore, an exit wouldn’t be a surprise over the coming weeks. He needs to be getting regular minutes at this stage of his career and they can’t offer him that at the moment due to strong competition for his position.

Birmingham could see O’Nien as someone to boost their defensive department. He can also play as a right-back or in midfield if needed, as well as in defence, so his versatility would come in handy. If he joined the Blues, he would be a useful person to have in and around the dressing room and is someone who their younger players could learn a lot from.

When everyone is fit, Davies has a few different options to call upon like Christoph Klarer, Phil Neumann and Jack Robinson. Eiran Cashin’s future is up in the air right now though and he has struggled to make an impact since his loan from Brighton and Hove Albion. If O’Nien arrived, Cashin would surely leave.