Birmingham City’s 20-year-old midfielder Brandon Khela is the subject of interest from League One duo Lincoln City and Blackpool FC, as per Football League World.
Impressive Loan Spell Sparks Interest In Khela
The former England under-17 midfielder spent the first half of last season at St. Andrews @ Knighthead Park but struggled to break into an impressive Blues team.
Even though he scored the Blues’ only goal in a one-nil victory against Charlton Athletic in the EFL Cup early in the season, it was not enough to impress Chris Davies. Khela made just two League One appearances for a total of 12 minutes in the first half of the season.
In January, he was sent out on loan to League Two promotion chasers Bradford City. This loan also started in a tough fashion as he played just 17 minutes before mid-February.
But, in the final weeks of the season, the midfielder broke into Graham Alexander’s first-choice team and he was pivotal to the run-in that saw the Bantams earn promotion to the third tier.
Lincoln City endured a slightly disappointing 2024/25 campaign as they finished in 11th place, 17 points off the playoff positions.
The Imps have already released Sam Clucas and star midfielder Ethan Erhahon may also leave the club this summer. Director of Football Jez George admitted that he expects to receive a number of offers for the 24-year-old during the transfer window.
Blackpool finished six points and two places better off than Lincoln last season and they will also be looking to push into the playoffs in the upcoming campaign.
Although the Tangerines have released the likes of Josh Onomah and Oliver Norburn, star midfielders Albie Morgan and Lee Evans, who started 36 and 40 league games last season respectively, are both under contract heading into next season.
However, Steve Bruce’s men have lost the services of Sonny Carey, who started 23 league games last season and is set to join Charlton Athletic, who have just been promoted to the third tier.
Football League World have also reported that both sides want the midfielder on a permanent contract, but they would have to pay a fee to secure Khela’s services as the 20-year-old is under contract with Birmingham until 2027.
Writer’s View
Khela’s next move is extremely important for his career and picking the right club will be key.
His loan spell at Bradford was the first time that he was a regular starter in men’s football and he will need to consistently start games in order to develop and fulfil his undoubted potential.
Lincoln City’s team is perhaps slightly easier to break into given that their two midfielders were not two of their best players last season.
The potential sale of Erhahon could also be used to finance Khela’s purchase and Michael Skubala built up an excellent reputation for working with young players during his time at Leeds United.
But, the Coventry-born man should not rule out biding his time and waiting for a better opportunity to present itself.
