The summer ahead for Birmingham City looks to be enormous, regardless of whether the team succeeds in its attempt to remain in the Championship.
Earlier this year, when Tom Wagner and company finished taking over Blues, it looked like a momentous occasion for everyone associated with the club.
After years of mismanagement, this was supposed to kickstart an exciting new era.
Although the team’s on-field performance has obviously fallen short of expectations thus far, Wagner has already begun plans to relocate Birmingham to a magnificent new stadium as he also works to enhance the team’s administrative and commercial aspects.
It is expected that new players will join this summer, and they clearly aspire to be in the Championship, as they require a successful team to accomplish those ambitions.
Here, we examine THREE additions the Blues need to attempt to make, assuming they stay in the second division.
Johansson, Viktor
Since both Neil Etheridge and John Ruddy’s contracts expire in the upcoming months and it seems unlikely that either will stay, the Blues will undoubtedly make it a priority to sign at least one new custodian.
Ruddy has been the squad’s best player this season, and in all honesty, he is one of the few who has come out on top because he is giving it his all and is driven to keep the team in the league. However, it’s safe to conclude that at37, his finest days are behind him.
Therefore, a replacement would be appreciated, and Johansson from Rotherham would be a wise addition.
Johansson has performed admirably despite their demotion, establishing himself as a dependable goalie who can control his box and stop shots well. With a £750,000 release clause, he would be a great value for St. Andrew’s, and at 25, he might be a reliable option going forward.
Nathan Phillips
Regretfully, Blues supporters, almost every part of the field could be improved upon; however, they will undoubtedly focus on the centre of defence.
Due to Dion Sanderson’s inconsistent season and Emanuel Aiwu’s lacklustre play, the Blues should be shopping for a commanding center-back with leadership qualities.
And Nat Phillips of Liverpool is the right person. He is now on loan at Cardiff, where he has shown promise in recent months for the Bluebirds. He recently stated that he might consider staying in Wales.
However, given the uncertainty surrounding manager Erol Bulut’s future, Blues may be able to close the gap while also possessing greater financial resources than the Welsh team.
Phillips needs a long-term home after years of loan stints, and he might end up becoming a Birmingham mainstay.
Stansfield, Jay
Ultimately, the Blues will be pursuing a number of attackers during the summer transfer window, but Jay Stansfield, a current member of the team, may need to be the first player they sign.
The England U21 attacker is a highly regarded player at Craven Cottage and is under contract with Fulham. But Marco Silva isn’t a manager who often gives young players a chance, and at the moment, his team is full with great players with a tonne of experience. They will definitely be keeping an eye out for a new striker this summer.
Stansfield, who leads the team in scoring this season, has liked his time with the Blues, so there may be an opportunity to bring him in permanently.
Once more, he would match the description of the kind of player that
