Birmingham City are preparing for another transfer window once the festive fixtures are out the way.
The rumour mill normally begins to swirl about a month before the January transfer window opens.
Birmingham City assembled a nearly-perfect squad over the summer, with 17 new recruits and a slew of players exiting following relegation. However, it would be stupid to believe that nothing could happen in January, when the pieces begin to move.
Manager Chris Davies recently emphasized the necessity of the Blues’ squad remaining strong. He expected a natural reshuffle, with players who aren’t playing looking for regular football elsewhere, but he will insist on replacing anyone who departs.
The most obvious contender for departure is Dion Sanderson, the club’s former captain. Sanderson has only played six games for Davies and is firmly fourth in the defensive pecking order behind Krystian Bielik, Christoph Klarer, and Ben Davies.
With two and a half years left on Sanderson’s contract, the Blues confront an interesting quandary. Do they sell him while his stock is low, risking the £2 million they paid Wolves for his services in the summer of 2023, or do they loan him out in the hope that he might rehabilitate his reputation? Given Sanderson’s Championship record, it wouldn’t be surprising if a second-tier club took a chance on him in one manner or another.
The Blues are dealing with another difficulty with Romelle Donovan. The talented teenager has returned from his loan term at Burton Albion early, having made only nine appearances for a team that has struggled to win games.
The loan is scheduled to be officially terminated in January, after which a decision will be made. The Blues might loan him out again or listen to one of Donovan’s suitors from further up the football hierarchy.
Brentford have long been interested in Donovan and could try again after failing to buy him in the summer.
In contrast to Donovan, George Hall’s loan stay at Walsall is going well. Hall started and scored in Walsall’s 3-2 win against League Two promotion rivals Notts County on Tuesday.
Following an 18-month hamstring injury, Hall is rediscovering shape and, more importantly, trust in his body. Blues may decide to leave him alone, despite his talents being more suited to a level higher than League Two.
