Birmingham City are standing their ground over the future of Marc Leonard despite rising interest from several clubs, including Blackburn Rovers, Queens Park Rangers, and Huddersfield Town, as per SportsBoom.
The midfielder was a key part of last season’s squad that won promotion back to the Championship and remains under contract until 2027.
Leonard joined the Blues last summer from Brighton and Hove Albion on a permanent deal after two successful loan spells with Northampton Town. Although not a guaranteed starter under new head coach Chris Davies, he made a valuable contribution across the campaign and is seen as an important figure in the club’s medium-term planning.
His technical ability and composure on the ball have not gone unnoticed, with QPR and Blackburn monitoring the situation closely. League One outfit Huddersfield are also believed to be keen, as they aim to mount a serious promotion challenge of their own. However, Birmingham have made it clear that Leonard is not for sale unless a significant offer is made.
Competition for Places Could Influence Outcome
Leonard’s future may hinge on how much game time he is likely to get in the coming months. Despite his long-term deal and importance to the squad, he only started 14 league games last season. The recent arrival of Tommy Doyle from Wolverhampton Wanderers on loan adds to the competition in midfield and could further limit his opportunities.
Still, Leonard is understood to be settled in the West Midlands and is not currently pushing for a move. While he has not publicly commented on the speculation, Birmingham remain hopeful he will commit to the project rather than seek more regular football elsewhere.
The club’s recruitment strategy has focused heavily on building a youthful, ambitious squad with Championship potential. Leonard fits that profile, and although clubs in both the Championship and League One are circling, the Blues are not prepared to let him leave easily.
Barnsley have also been loosely linked, but those rumours appear to be without substance. The South Yorkshire club are not expected to be serious contenders for his signature at this stage.
Writer’s View
Marc Leonard represents exactly the sort of profile Birmingham City need to keep around if they are to establish themselves back in the Championship. He is still developing, has shown quality at multiple levels, and fits the model of an upwardly mobile squad being shaped by Chris Davies.
While the lack of starts may frustrate him, Leonard’s best chance of becoming a Championship regular may well be by staying put and fighting for his place. For Birmingham, letting him go to a direct rival would not just weaken their depth but also strengthen the competition, something they can ill afford during a season of consolidation.
