Five Birmingham City transfer targets Chris Davies must sign if he wants to challenge for promotion in 2025/26.

As the dust settles from their League One victory, Birmingham City are aiming for Championship gold in 2025/26.

Manager Chris Davies confronts the difficult task of strengthening his squad with meaningful signings. Here, we’ve looked at five key transfers rumoured to be on the Blues’ radar, with each player providing the quality and depth required for a good promotion push. From a Champions League midfielder to a bright young star, these players could be critical to Birmingham’s future success.

Five players Birmingham City should sign

Che Adams

Che Adams is one name that Birmingham has been circling. EFL Analysis exclusively revealed last week that Adams is apparently one of their top targets. Adams is a’very expensive’ possibility for Birmingham this summer, but it all hinges on whether the Scotsman is willing to play in the Championship. Adams is now playing for Torino in Serie A, where he has scored nine league goals this season since leaving Southampton in 2024. But it was at Birmingham when the 28-year-old became a fan favourite, scoring 22 goals in the 2018/19 season before joining the Saints in 2019.

Angus Gunn

Birmingham City has been linked with Mark Travers, but another custodian on their list is Norwich City’s Angus Gunn, with this position appearing to be a priority. This comes after current second-choice Bailey Peacock-Farrell failed to match expectations, prompting a switch in the pecking order to Ryan Allsop. Despite not starting the season, boyhood fan Allsop impressively won the League One Golden Glove with 21 clean sheets in 38 games. Gunn would bring excellent experience from the Premier League with Southampton and the Championship with Norwich City.

 

Yannik Keitel

Keitel, a recent German Cup winner with VfB Stuttgart, might be a surprise signing for Birmingham City, providing support and competition for Tomoki Iwata in defensive midfield. The 25-year-old joined Stuttgart from Freiburg last summer but has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter, owing primarily to the form of Angelo Stiller and captain Atakan Karazor. Despite his minimal Bundesliga appearances, Keitel has competed in the Champions League, scoring a long-range goal against Young Boys. Jesurun Rak Sakyi Crystal Palace is allegedly open to offers for winger Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, while Birmingham City has been linked with Kwame Poku. The left-footed right-winger, known for his quickness, complements the Blues’ intended offensive threat. The 22-year-old has previously impressed in League One with Charlton, contributing 23 goals and earning club awards.

While a previous loan to Birmingham did not materialise, he earned Championship experience at Sheffield United, scoring seven goals in 35 appearances. His availability stems from limited Premier League experiences under new Palace management, which might make him an appealing and feasible target for Birmingham City this summer.

Mateo Joseph

Mateo Joseph Fernández-Regatillo, a 21-year-old forward with both Spanish and British citizenship, was signed from Espanyol three years ago with the hope of becoming a future star. However, he has struggled for consistent first-team opportunities at Elland Road, playing only 1,270 Championship minutes and scoring three goals this season. Despite Leeds United’s original hopes and his contract running until 2028, Joseph’s lack of game time may make him an intriguing target for Birmingham, giving him the opportunity to play more minutes. While his club appearances have been limited, his record with Spain’s U21 team, where he has five goals in six caps, demonstrates his potential and goalscoring ability, which Birmingham may be looking to develop.

What we know about Birmingham City’s promotion plans

According to EFL Analysis’ Graeme Bailey, Birmingham City’s Championship promotion strategy will mainly rely on loan-to-buy arrangements, which have proven beneficial for Sunderland and Burnley. This strategy is critical for clubs without parachute payments, allowing the Blues to attract higher-caliber players with a future promise to buy upon promotion, something Chairman Tom Wagner and the club are confident of achieving. Under manager Chris Davies, and with fresh players targeted for key positions, this loan-to-buy strategy, combined with strong financial backing, is viewed as critical in their bid for back-to-back promotions.

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