If the transfer rumors about Birmingham City are accurate, then their strongest new starting lineup and bench include a £4 million “steal” and a Spanish wonderkid.
Wayne Rooney may include these 20 players in his Birmingham City matchday squad come February if the transfer rumors are accurate.
Under John Eustace, Birmingham City had a fantastic start to the 2023–24 season, but since Wayne Rooney joined the team, both the team’s performance and morale have drastically declined. It was divisive enough to decide to remove Eustace from his position, but it was even more so when Rooney was named as his replacement.
Prior to the management change, Blues were sixth in the Sky Bet Championship; however, after six losses in nine games, they have since fallen to 17th. Since entering St Andrew’s, Rooney has only managed to accumulate five points out of a possible 27; this is the worst record in the division.
Birmingham’s current lead over the relegation zone is just four points, and if Sheffield Wednesday and Queens Park Rangers continue to play well, that lead could dwindle even more. To bolster the team in crucial areas, Rooney and the Blues board might need to make changes in January.
Although there haven’t been as many transfer rumors circulating as usual at this time of year, there have still been a few incoming and outgoing. After sifting through the rumors, we’ve assembled a potential matchday roster for the Blues by the end of January. Here is a summary.
1. GK: Former Rangers player Jack Butland
As the first big name linked to the team since Rooney’s arrival, Butland is reportedly a top target for the Blues ahead of the January transfer window. Given his background, the former Stoke City player would likely cost about £4 million, which is fairly reasonable.
3. Dion Sanderson, CB
Going forward, the captain is central to Rooney’s and the team’s plans.
4. Melayro Bogarde, the CB, arrived from Hoffenheim.
Though there hasn’t been much talk lately, Bogarde was regularly mentioned as a potential summer transfer to St Andrew’s. Given that Sanderson does not yet have a consistent partner, the Blues require a new central defender.