Birmingham City have entered a crucial summer transfer window as manager Chris Davies seeks to propel his side into immediate Championship play-off contention following their League One title win.
Blues head into next season brimming with confidence after breaking the world record for the most points in a 46-game league campaign, with 111. The previous best in English professional football was 106 (Reading in 2005/06), so it was an extraordinary achievement.
You may think that Birmingham’s squad will already be in good enough nick to compete well upon their Championship return but chairman Tom Wagner is backing Davies with more investment this summer. There are several areas of the squad that can be improved, and, as brutal as it is, this will be the end of the road for some of those who helped Blues to promotion.
So, then, who could leave and who could be signed to improve the team at Davies’ disposal? Well, so much is still up in the air but we here at Birmingham World have taken a deep dive into the likeliest sales and signings at St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park. With that in mind, click through the pages to see how Birmingham’s squad could shape up for the 2025/26 season – as well as explanations for each and every player listed.
9. IN: Phil Neumann
Tipped to be a truly superb free agent signing, Neumann has already put pen to paper. The Hannover centre-half is both quick and tall. He should work well next to Klarer. | Getty Images
10. IN: Ben Davies
Following a remarkable loan move - definitely the best in the squad - Blues are considering signing Davies permanently from Rangers. His partnership with Klarer last season was excellent, though he probably won’t start ahead of Neumann. | Getty Images
11. IN: Harry Darling
Yet another centre-back linked with a move to St Andrew’s, Darling will be leaving Swansea on a free transfer at the end of June. Several other Championship clubs are interested but Birmingham have already contacted his representatives. | Getty Images
12. Lee Buchanan
Hoping to get back into a rhythm following two long-term knee injuries, Buchanan faces an important season. He was great before but was sidelined for so long and it’s tough to get back to the same level. | Getty Images