Birmingham City have made an outstanding start to the new season, cementing a place in the top six of the EFL Championship before the October international break.
Despite the promising results at the beginning of this term, head coach John Eustace was sacked and Wayne Rooney has since come in to replace him. This has made this particular Championship interval all the more important for Blues.
With a new face in the dugout comes uncertainty for the futures of various players, even with a very new squad in place from the summer overhaul. With that in mind, here are three who could leave in January, as well as four who definitely won’t despite speculation.
1. Marc Roberts - could leave
Injuries haven’t helped his case, but Roberts has played just 23 competitive minutes this season and has fallen down the centre-back pecking order entirely.
2. Marcel Oakley - could leave
Following the immediate success of Cody Drameh as a backup right-back, Oakley could be allowed to depart on loan this winter to gain more game time elsewhere.
3. Gary Gardner - could leave
Less likely than the others to go as he’s a decent utility option (and seemingly a big free-kick threat still!) but Gardner may be tempted to get going as he’s played just 37 minutes this campaign.
4. George Hall - won’t leave
The transfer spotlight has come off the youngster as he’s suffered a few injuries. It’s unlikely January would be the time clubs would come in and it wouldn’t make much sense for a player of his youth to leave mid-season. More importantly, he recently signed a new contract.