EXCLUSIVE: Three Birmingham City players likely to leave club in the January transfer window
Birmingham City made quite a few changes to their squad during the summer transfer window, with John Eustace and the recruitment team able to put their stamp on the team by bringing in several additions.
They were able to bring in these summer signings because of the money they generated from transfers, with the club richly benefitting from Jude Bellingham’s move to Real Madrid and Tahith Chong’s switch from Blues to Luton Town.
The great thing about Birmingham’s incoming business is the fact they were able to sign players permanently, which will allow them to build for the long term.
They did also use the loan market, but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see some of their current loanees join permanently if they perform and are affordable in the summer.
More departures may be needed to make way for more additions though and we take a look at the players who could leave St Andrew’s in the coming weeks.
Neil Etheridge
Etheridge is reportedly on £23,000 per week and if he’s on anything like that sort of salary, Birmingham will surely be desperate to offload him.
With John Ruddy at the club and Wayne Rooney potentially wanting to invest in another keeper to suit his style, offloading the Philippines international is a no-brainer despite the ability he has.
Previously playing for Cardiff City in the Premier League, Etheridge will surely want to start regularly sooner rather than later, so a move away could potentially be on the horizon.
Emmanuel Longelo
Darren Witcoop believes Longelo is one player who’s up for grabs during the January window.
Considering he joined permanently not too long ago, it would be a shame for him to depart St Andrew’s so quickly, but a loan exit could be beneficial for him if he’s going to be guaranteed regular starts.
He isn’t guaranteed to be one of the first names on the teamsheet at the Midlands side when Lee Buchanan is available and with Brandon Ormonde-Ottewill being linked with a move to Rooney’s side, it may be good for Longelo to make an exit, either on loan or permanently.
Scott Hogan
The ex-Aston Villa forward hasn’t been one of the first names on the teamsheet under Wayne Rooney and this is why it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him leave the club.
Even if Jay Stansfield becomes unavailable, Blues could potentially have the funds to bring another striker or two into the club and Hogan could be deemed surplus to requirements.
His contract expires next summer, but Sheffield Wednesday have reportedly taken an interest in him.
And it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Owls weren’t the only side interested in him, so Birmingham may be prepared for his potential departure.
