Birmingham City may look to make loan duo Ben Davies and Kieran Dowell permanent signings this summer as Rangers appear open to offloading both players.
Both arrived at St Andrew’s from Ibrox in January and have contributed to the club’s League One promotion push under Chris Davies. Centre-back Davies has impressed with his composure, while Dowell has added a creative spark in midfield.
Rangers exit on the cards?
Rangers are unlikely to stand in the way of either player leaving permanently. According to Daily Record reporter Andy Newport, Dowell’s time at Ibrox never lived up to expectations following his free transfer from Norwich in 2023.
“He simply failed to do much at all. A couple of injuries certainly hampered him but when he did get opportunities it was all a bit meh… I’d be stunned to see Dowell return,” Newport explained.
The 26-year-old midfielder struggled to break into the Rangers team and was seen as part of an underwhelming recruitment drive that widened the gap to Celtic. His move to Birmingham appears to have revitalised his form, making a permanent switch a real possibility.
As for Davies, the defender was once seen as a major coup for Rangers after nearly joining Celtic before signing for Liverpool. However, inconsistent form and a high wage saw him fall out of favour in Glasgow. Newport noted that even amid a defensive crisis in January, Rangers “weren’t considering recalling him.”
With both players reportedly on sizeable salaries at Ibrox, Rangers are expected to facilitate exits if Birmingham pursue permanent deals.
Ben Davies
Ben Davies, born in Barrow-in-Furness, began his career with Preston North End, making his debut in 2013 and earning praise for his performances. He gained experience through loans at York City, Tranmere Rovers, Southport, Newport County, and Fleetwood Town before establishing himself at Preston, where he won multiple awards.
Davies moved to Liverpool in 2021 but never played for the first team. After a loan at Sheffield United and a spell at Rangers, he returned to England, joining Birmingham City on loan in 2024.
Kieran Dowell
Dowell began his career at Everton, rising through the youth ranks before debuting in the Europa League aged 17. After loans at Nottingham Forest, Sheffield United, Derby and Wigan—where he netted a hat-trick in an 8–0 win—he joined Norwich City in 2020, helping them win the Championship.
Dowell later moved to Rangers in 2023, scoring in his second game. Injuries and competition have since limited his appearances for the Ibrox side.
Writer’s view
Both Davies and Dowell have proven themselves useful additions during Birmingham’s rebuild, even if they haven’t grabbed headlines like Jay Stansfield. With Rangers willing to move them on, the door is open for the Blues to negotiate permanent deals. Whether both remain at St Andrew’s may come down to finances — but on the pitch, they’ve done enough to earn consideration.
