Birmingham City transfer state of play: Ones to watch after double defender swoop
Birmingham City’s acquisition of Grant Hanley has ticked Chris Davies’ main box for the January transfer window.
The Blues manager wanted to sign a new centre-back to replace Dion Sanderson, who has joined Blackburn Rovers on loan, and 59-cap Scotland international Hanley brings experience and promotion-winning knowhow.
Blues explored the possibility of signing German defender Phil Neumann this month but they are reluctant to meet Hannover 96’s demands for a player they will sign on a free transfer in July. Hanley’s arrival means Blues will wait until the summer to welcome Neumann.
READ MORE: Richard Hammond breaks silence on being 'an idiot' after split from wife
READ MORE: Birmingham City player ratings: Three 8s after Ethan Laird downs Exeter
The picture of Eastenders' Mitchell brothers – Grant and Phil – that Blues used to tease Hanley’s signing and the pre-contract agreement with Neumann on social media was the prelude to an announcement that would royally cheese off Hannover.
Davies is quite content with the balance of his squad but he has suggested a couple of times that left-back is an area he would be interested in strengthening. Lee Buchanan’s season-ending injury means Alex Cochrane is the only natural fit for that position in Blues’ squad.
Blues do, however, have two right-backs who are capable of playing at left-back. Ethan Laird and Alfons Sampsted have both deputised at left-back this season and their versatility means that Blues can take time to assess their options rather than rush out to sign short-term cover.
“Again, Lee is a long-term injury at left-back so we’re looking at options there,” Davies admitted earlier this week. “Then we’ll see how the last week and a half of the window goes. Things are starting to move in the market a lot more now, if anything pops up of interest then we might look at it.
“We’ve got a squad we’re really happy with and the players have done well this season. The main thing for us is making sure we have good player availability, avoid injuries, and I’m happy with the squad.”
It is also expected to be quiet in terms of exits. Doubts over Alfons Sampsted’s future have been erased by Davies and the player himself in the past week. Sampsted remains committed to the loan agreement he signed in August and isn’t the sort to bleat about not playing regularly.
Romelle Donovan’s future is still up in the air. Davies says Blues have a ‘duty of care’ to get the 18-year-old’s next move right after his difficult loan spell at Burton Albion.
