Birmingham City are on the verge of securing their ninth signing of the summer as they close in on a deal to bring Ben Davies back from Rangers.
The 29-year-old spent last season on loan at St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park and quickly became a key figure in the heart of defence.
Blues Closing In on Permanent Move for Popular Defender
Reports suggest the Scottish club have accepted a £750,000 offer, with the transfer expected to be finalised once Davies recovers from a minor injury. It represents a low-risk investment for a player who helped transform Birmingham’s back line during their League One campaign.
Davies made 35 league appearances last term and built a formidable partnership with Christoph Klarer. His consistent displays pushed captain Krystian Bielik to the bench and limited opportunities for other experienced defenders such as Grant Hanley and Dion Sanderson.
With Phil Neumann and Eiran Cashin already added to the ranks this summer, it remains to be seen whether Davies will enjoy the same guaranteed minutes in the Championship. However, his versatility could prove useful. Although primarily a centre-back, he is capable of covering at left-back, where Alex Cochrane was one of the Blues’ most consistent performers last season.
Klopp Praise Underscores Davies’ Reputation
Davies’ qualities are well known at the top level. When he signed for Liverpool from Preston North End in 2021, then-manager Jürgen Klopp said:
“I love a lot about his play. He’s a really good footballer. He looks like a proper leader, good in challenges, football smart, can play in different systems. That makes him really interesting.”
Although he never made a senior appearance for the Reds, Klopp remained supportive when Davies joined Rangers a year later, describing him as “top drawer” in character and praising his technical qualities and leadership.
His time at Ibrox was mixed, but his return to English football saw him excel in a Birmingham shirt. The club’s faith in him—reflected by their push to sign him permanently—demonstrates the trust manager Chris Davies is placing in last season’s defensive stalwart.
Writer’s View
This move makes sense for all parties. For Birmingham, £750,000 is a bargain fee for a defender who already knows the squad, the system, and the expectations. Davies’ experience, composure and adaptability give the Blues added flexibility in what will be a tough Championship campaign.
Even if he doesn’t start every week, his presence adds depth and leadership. With Klarer and Neumann likely to form the first-choice partnership, Davies becomes a reliable third option—something every promotion-chasing squad needs. This could quietly be one of the smartest signings of Birmingham’s summer.
