Krystian Bielik only signed a permanent contract with Birmingham last summer. However, with the club’s relegation, they may already be on the way.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Birmingham City’s relegation to League One was confirmed, despite winning on the final day.
- Krystian Bielik, a key player, is surely likely to leave due to Birmingham’s relegation to League One.
- Bielik’s injury issues pose a risk for potential clubs, and playing in League One may hinder his international career.
Birmingham City’s relegation to League One was confirmed on the final day of the season, despite beating Norwich City.
Birmingham were relegated after Plymouth Argyle, Sheffield Wednesday, and Blackburn Rovers all won on the last day, leaving them with no control over their fate.
Birmingham’s owners have huge hopes for the club, but they will start next season in the third level for the first time in 29 years after winning only two of their last 14 games.
As the club transitions to League One, Krystian Bielik, a Polish midfielder, is expected to be among the first to leave St Andrew’s.
Bielik has previously spent two loan spells with Birmingham. However, after signing a permanent contract with the club last summer, he appears to be on his way out following their relegation.
The 26-year-old has proven to be a strong performer at Championship level and will likely want to test himself again in the second division.
The former Arsenal youth graduate has two years left on his contract, and Birmingham will be hoping to recuperate some of the sum they paid Derby last June.
Bielik may potentially consider moving abroad. However, he is unlikely to continue at Birmingham beyond this summer.
| Krystian Bielik’s career stats, as per Transfermarkt | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Birmingham City | 86 | 1 | 1 |
| Derby County | 49 | 3 | 0 |
| Charlton Athletic | 34 | 4 | 2 |
| Legia Warsaw | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Arsenal | 2 | 0 | 0 |
Injury-stricken Bielik represents a risk for clubs
Bielik’s £10 million move to Derby County in 2019 sparked optimism, however he struggled with injuries during his time at Pride Park.
The midfielder showed potential on loan at Charlton Athletic, and Championship Derby felt like the right environment for Bielik to flourish, with the Rams recently losing the play-off final under Frank Lampard’s leadership.
Bielik was unable to reach his full potential due to two knee injuries that occurred nearly a year apart. He only made 49 appearances before joining Birmingham on loan, which was then made permanent last summer.
Bielik’s injury issues have remained at Birmingham, and despite his talent, he poses a risk to any club interested in signing him.
Bielik will struggle to break into Poland’s squad if he’s playing League One football
Bielik has been in and out of the Poland squad since 2019, totaling 11 caps.
He appeared in all four of their World Cup games in Qatar and is seeking to join the squad for this summer’s European Championship.
At 26, Bielik is entering his prime years, and even if he does not make the Poland Euros squad, he hopes to establish himself as a permanent member of the Polish team in the next years.
However, Bielik will struggle to do so if he continues to play in League One, and a move to the Championship or possibly abroad would boost his prospects of international recognition.
Birmingham’s relegation makes it doubtful that Bielik would stay, thus the club should sell the midfielder while he is still under contract.
It appears to be a reasonable decision for all parties involved.
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