Louie Barry and Kwame Poku sign: the Birmingham City lineup Chris Davies would love next season

Birmingham City are approaching a pivotal summer transfer window following their dazzling 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.

The new Birmingham City lineup Chris Davies would love - 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, Hannover’s Neumann was recently announced as a Blues player. 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 gets the edge. The former Brighton & Hove Albion man maintained immense consistency while Buchanan was sidelined with two consecutive 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 as his Posh contract expires on June 30. Birmingham World understands Blues are one of 27 clubs interested in signing Poku, so it’s a tricky deal but one that’s being actively pursued.

CAM - Kanya Fujimoto: Blues are eager to snap up another super freebee as attacking midfielder Fujimoto’s contract expires at the end of this month. The 25-year-old has scored 15 goals and notched 24 assists in 181 appearances for Portuguese top-tier club Gil Vicente since joining from Tokyo Verdy in 2022.

LW - Louie Barry: Albeit ambitious, Birmingham are eager to sign Barry on loan from bitter rivals Aston Villa. The winger scored a remarkable 15 goals and provided three assists in 23 League One games on loan at Stockport County during the first half of last campaign. Villa are planning on sending Barry to the Championship for 2025/26, so it’s possible.

ST - Jay Stansfield: Blues’ record signing will be buzzing to return to the Championship, where he’ll be eager to prove his £13 million fee was worth every penny. The price tag is a heavy weight on his shoulders but Stansfield should be able to shrug it off and thrive, especially with such incredible service behind him.