Birmingham City’s summer has been dominated by takeover talk before it has even got going.
Will it happen or will it not is the question every fan wants the answer to but with all that going on in the background, the squad still needs to be shaped ahead of next season.
The recent retained list revealed that Jeremie Bela and Kristian Pedersen have been released upon expiry of their contracts whilst the loan players, whom were all so important across the campaign, returned to their parent clubs.
This leaves the current squad at St Andrew’s looking thin - and that’s if we’re being kind.
But with that said, the departures may not end there. Around 25 first team players remain under contract going into 2022/23 but it’s unlikely that all of those remain in the West Midlands come the end of August.
BirminghamWorld have looked through all of Birmingham City’s first team squad and assessed which ones could potentially leave the club in the near future.
Each player has been ranked and rated based on how likely they are to depart the club, whether it be on loan or permanently.
1. Sam Cosgrove - Very likely
Struggled in his loan spells in the division below throughout 21/22 - doubtful he ever breaks into the Blues squad again. Photo: Mark Runnacles
2. Harlee Dean - Very likely
Impressed during his loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday but was hampered with a couple of injuries. His career at Blues is 100% done, though. Photo: Steve Ellis
3. Ivan Sanchez - Very likely
Returned to his homeland during January. Injury pretty much killed his Blues career and don’t expect it to be revived. Photo: Alex Morton
4. Fran Villalba - Very likely
One of those players you almost forget even plays for Birmingham. Don’t expect him to ever suit up for them again mind. | Getty