Birmingham City centre-back Dion Sanderson is being linked with a move to Scottish giants Rangers, according to the Sunderland Echo.
The Blues’ defender has fallen out of favour at St Andrews’ having been stripped of the captaincy last season following a drink-driving arrest, as the Midlands outfit were relegated from the Championship in a disastrous season.
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The ambitious side, owned by a US consortium including NFL icon Tom Brady, are keen to ensure immediate promotion and are willing to spend up to £20 million this transfer window, with new boss Chris Davies clearly not seeing Sanderson as part of his plans. Birmingham are already making moves in the window, signing the likes of Alfie May and Bailey Peacock-Farrell from Charlton Athletic and Burnley respectively, and Sanderson looks like he’ll also be making a move.
The 24-year-old joined Birmingham on a permanent basis in the summer of 2023, making 37 appearances for the side. Sanderson had previously played for the Blues on loan earlier in his career, having had two temporary spells at the club in 2021-22 and 2022-23.
Sanderson also represented Cardiff City, Sunderland and Queens Park Rangers before making the switch back to the Midlands having come through the academy at Wolverhampton Wanderers. The defender made only one cup appearance at Molineux though, prompting a move elsewhere for more football.
A move north of the border could provide Sanderson with more game time for a team competing at a higher level, with Phillipe Clement’s team looking to break Celtic’s stranglehold on the SPFL title and compete in Europe. Having joined Birmingham on a four-year deal, a transfer would command a reasonable fee, which may be a stumbling block. A deal could however provide the defender with a fresh start and the chance for major silverware should he make a move.
Writer’s View
This is a move that suits both parties. Sanderson has fallen out of the picture at Birmingham due to off-the-field issues, and a move may help him rebuild his career and get playing again. Rangers will help him do that, and the Glasgow side will get a good, young defender with plenty of experience.
As for the selling club, Birmingham are clearly ambitious and want to move on from last year’s farcical campaign, so letting Sanderson go may help them bounce back.
