Birmingham City's dream new starting lineup if the transfer rumours are true - including £36m triple swoop
Five new signings, including a £34 million trio, could join Birmingham City this summer if the transfer rumours are to be believed.
Birmingham City are approaching another vital summer transfer window following their promotion from League One to the Championship.
Blues won the English third-tier title at the first time of asking, breaking the League One and EFL points records in the process. The final 111-point tally was incredibly enough to become the new world record holders, capping off a truly remarkable campaign.
The job isn’t done just yet for Chris Davies’ side, though, with promotion to the Premier League the next aim. Most teams would aim to steady the ship and avoid relegation once they rise up a division, but not Blues. Club chairman Tom Wagner has high aspirations for this group.
Although the current squad is already in great shape, it’s likely Birmingham will make some fresh additions to strengthen in key areas. One free transfer has already been snapped up - Phil Neumann from Hannover - whereas the loan deals for Taylor Gardner-Hickman and Alfons Sampsted have turned permanent.
More business, perhaps at a large expense, is expected. And with the transfer rumours already in full swing, Birmingham World has sifted through the latest. If the speculation is true, Blues could have an outstanding starting lineup next season. Here’s a full run-through.
Birmingham’s new dream starting XI if the rumours are true
GK - Mark Travers: It may feel harsh on Ryan Allsop after he claimed the League One Golden Glove, but Bournemouth goalkeeper Travers has been linked with a move to Blues. The 25-year-old, who won the Championship Golden Glove two years ago, could be available for £4 million.
RB - Ethan Laird: Really stepping up his game after a troublesome first year at Blues, Laird should keep his spot at right-back. There’s no need to sign a replacement, while Gardner-Hickman and Sampsted are great backup options.
CB - Christoph Klarer: Recently named both the fans’ and players’ player of the season, Klarer is vital to Blues. Going forward, the team will probably be built around him, he’s been that good.
CB - Phil Neumann: Already signed on a pre-contract, Neumann will be joining on a free transfer from Hannover this summer. The German central defender is both tall and quick, two attributes that should compliment Klarer nicely in a new partnership.
LB - Alex Cochrane: It’s a tough call between Cochrane and Lee Buchanan, but Cochrane probably just about gets the edge. The former Brighton & Hove Albion man maintained immense consistency with Buchanan out sidelined with two serious knee injuries.
CM - Paik Seung-ho: The South Korean turned down approaches from Leeds United, Norwich City and Sheffield United last summer in favour of staying with Birmingham. Paik was delighted he remained at the club and he will play a key role next season.
CM - Tomoki Iwata: Probably the runner-up to Klarer in the player of the season conversation, there’s no replacing Iwata in this XI. Blues’ midfield duo have had a whole season to gel already, just imagine what they can achieve with more experience next to one another.
RW - Kwame Poku: The Peterborough United winger has been heavily linked with Blues over recent months and looks likely to join upon the expiry of his Posh contract on June 30. As it’s another free transfer, Poku will probably rake in a hefty salary.
CAM - Chris Rigg: Without a doubt the most audacious potential new signing, Rigg is a player Birmingham have been monitoring for a long while. It would take a fee of around £20 million - perhaps more - but Wagner has the cash at his disposal. It’s unlikely, but not completely beyond the realms of possibility.
LW - Jay Stansfield: Capable of playing on either flank as well as through the centre, Stansfield could have great joy cutting in from the left. The record signing’s move to this position could also facilitate a new signing up top.
ST - Che Adams: A reunion could be on the cards with Adams, according to stunning new reports. Currently at Torino, the 28-year-old former Blues striker has scored nine goals in 33 Serie A appearances this season. His current market value, as per Transfermarkt, is around £12 million.