Four Birmingham City problem areas John Eustace will address now the transfer window has opened

The summer transfer window has now officially swung open and Birmingham City are getting set for an almighty squad overhaul.

Tom Wagner and Shelby Companies Limited’s takeover is now just pending final checks from the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and after that, Blues can get to work.

Just 16 senior players remain under contract at St Andrew’s as all of last season’s loan signings have returned to their parent clubs and others have seen their deals expire.

John Eustace will therefore have to work closely with the new owners, technical director Craig Gardner and incoming new club CEO, Garry Cook, to bring in fresh faces.

But which positions are the most sort-after for Birmingham in the summer transfer window? And who has been linked with potential moves so far?

Where do Birmingham City’s transfer priorities lie?

Scoring goals consistently was a struggle area last season but before Blues can even think about improving their striking options they must first sort out the defensive line.

Loan duo Dion Sanderson and Auston Trusty have returned to their parent clubs, whereas Kevin Long, Harlee Dean, Maxime Colin and George Friend will all depart when their contracts expire, on June 30.

That leaves just Marc Roberts, Nico Gordon and Emmanuel Longelo as defensive options and even that’s a stretch as Gordon lacks first-team experience, while Longelo is naturally more of a wing-back.

With six players gone from the back line, Eustace and the recruitment team will have to bring in a similar number of new additions to maintain the impressive defensive form of last campaign.

Midfield is another area that will need strengthening as Krystian Bielik and Hannibal Mejbri have gone back to Derby County and Manchester United respectively, after their season-long loans.

Both enjoyed consistent game time at St Andrew’s and will leave a huge void to fill – and as will Jobe Bellingham, as he has signed for Sunderland on a permanent transfer.

The current crop is still impressive as Jordan James, George Hall and Alfie Chang are top talents likely to step up and play consistently, while Juninho Bacuna and Tahith Chong provide plenty of energy.

But Birmingham need midfield depth and that will no doubt be addressed in the coming weeks as Eustace is likely to go back in for Bielik, and another enforcer type will be searched for.

Meanwhile, the goalkeeping spot is sorted as John Ruddy did a great job last term and Neil Etheridge is a more than capable backup, but captain Troy Deeney not renewing his contract leaves a gap at striker.

Lukas Jutkiewicz still has a year to go until his deal is up and Scott Hogan looks likely to stay but injuries were all too common last season. Blues will probably bring in a new number nine to counteract this.

The attack will likely be seen as less of a priority than the defence, though, given how bare the back line is looking. Once that’s sorted, Eustace may also turn to trying to find a new winger.

Jordan Graham hasn’t extended his stay and Reda Khadra’s loan from Brighton & Hove Albion came to a close. Someone with a bit of pace and the willingless to take on defenders wouldn’t go amiss.

Who have Blues been linked with signing?

Blues have been heavily linked with signing Sanderson on a permanent deal from Wolverhampton Wanderers and that could well happen, though there’s competition.

Sunderland and Stoke City are said to be trying to beat Birmingham to acquiring Sanderson, who Wolves see as surplus to requirements despite impressing in the Sky Bet Championship.

Bielik is another who could sign for the long-term as Derby need to earn some funds and the Poland international has spoken very highly of his time with Birmingham.

Other than that, there haven’t really been any new names of substance popping up, but the most likely approach will be going for loans and free agents once again.

That may confuse a few as a takeover typically results in a big spend, but Birmingham need to keep an eye on financial fair play as debts need to be repaid.

Any transfer news of note will be available here, at Birmingham World.