Birmingham City are preparing for another busy January transfer window, with several key decisions looming over their squad.
Manager Chris Davies has already stressed the importance of maintaining squad strength but acknowledges that reshuffling is inevitable. Players not featuring regularly could look for moves, and those who leave will need to be replaced quickly.
Key Dilemma: Dion Sanderson’s Future
One of the most pressing concerns is the future of defender Dion Sanderson. Sanderson, who was brought in for £2million from Wolverhampton Wanderers in the summer of 2023, has struggled to secure regular playing time under Davies. Sanderson could be heading for a move in January with only six appearances this season and firmly behind Krystian Bielik, Christoph Klarer, and Ben Davies in the defensive pecking order.
Birmingham must decide whether to sell Sanderson at a loss, given his current lack of game time, or loan him out in the hopes that he can rebuild his reputation elsewhere. Given his past performances in the Championship, it’s likely that other clubs will be interested in taking a chance on the 25-year-old.
Romelle Donovan and Loan Decisions
Another player facing uncertainty is Romelle Donovan, whose loan spell at Burton Albion has been cut short. Having made just nine appearances for the struggling League One side, the decision on Donovan’s future will need to be made come January. Birmingham could either send him on loan to another club or consider interest from higher-tier teams, such as Brentford, who have shown long-standing interest in the young forward.
On the other hand, George Hall’s loan at Walsall is proving more successful. Hall has regained form after a challenging period of hamstring injuries, and his recent goal in a 3-2 victory over Notts County has boosted his confidence. Despite his talents likely exceeding the League Two level, Birmingham may choose to let Hall continue his development at Walsall for now.
Writer’s View
The upcoming January transfer window presents a crucial opportunity for Birmingham City to make strategic decisions regarding their squad. Sanderson’s situation is particularly tricky, as selling him at a loss could be a tough pill to swallow. However, a loan move might allow him to regain his form. Similarly, Donovan’s future remains uncertain, but his potential could attract higher-tier clubs. The smart choices made now could have a significant impact on Birmingham’s season and their push for promotion.
Founder of 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.
