According to journalist Alan Nixon, writing on his Patreon page, the Blues are keen to bring in a “fresh face” to bolster their defensive ranks for the second half of the season.
Promotion Ambitions
After being relegated from the Championship last season, Birmingham have adapted well to League One under new manager Chris Davies, the former assistant coach at Celtic, Leicester City, and Tottenham Hotspur. Currently sitting second in the table, two points behind leaders Wycombe Wanderers with a game in hand, the Midlands club is firmly in the race for automatic promotion.
The January transfer window offers an opportunity to further solidify their backline, which has already seen key additions in the summer. Christoph Klarer, signed from Darmstadt, has impressed since his arrival, while Ben Davies, on loan from Rangers, has added depth and experience.
Current Defensive Options
Birmingham retained Krystian Bielik and Dion Sanderson after their relegation, but Sanderson is likely to be allowed to leave. Klarer, a former Southampton youth player, has adapted quickly to English football after a stint in the Bundesliga, while Davies has featured in six league matches this term.
Adding another defender would provide more options for Davies as he navigates a long season with promotion aspirations. The manager will hope any new signing can contribute to maintaining Birmingham’s strong start and help the team achieve greater consistency.
Birmingham City are back in action this weekend with an away fixture against Shrewsbury Town. They will aim to close the gap on Wycombe Wanderers and consolidate their place in the automatic promotion spots. With January fast approaching, securing the right defensive addition could prove pivotal in their quest for a swift return to the Championship.
Writer’s View
Birmingham City’s proactive approach to recruitment reflects their ambition to bounce back from last season’s relegation. Strengthening the defence is a smart move, especially given the grueling nature of a League One campaign. Klarer and Davies have been solid additions, but an extra body at the back could provide much-needed cover and competition. The next few weeks will be crucial as the club seeks to build momentum and make the most of the January window.
That said, Nixon’s post is hardly revealing, as Birmingham are sure to be strengthening, and there’s only three areas that’s likely: defence, midfield and attack!
Founder and Editor-in-Chief at The Real EFL, Gary is a passionate Lincoln City fan with extensive content creation across the Championship and EFL. He also shares expert football betting tips.