Birmingham City’s 2023-24 season ended on a dismal note as they were relegated to the third tier of English football, despite a final victory.
The season had begun with high hopes, thanks to new owners and a strong start under John Eustace, who had the team in sixth place after eleven games.
However, a puzzling decision to replace Eustace with Wayne Rooney led to a downturn, with only Huddersfield and Rotherham performing worse over the next 36 matches.
Following their relegation and the news that Tony Mowbray will not return due to ongoing health issues, the upcoming season looks challenging.
Amidst these difficulties, Football League World has compiled all current transfer news concerning the club as the Birmingham board addresses these issues.
Manager Search Continues
As Birmingham prepares for their first season in League One since 1992, fans are eager for a quick managerial appointment. Former Sunderland manager Alex Neil is the frontrunner for the position at St Andrew’s. Known for achieving promotion in three of his five previous roles, the 42-year-old is believed to have had discussions with the Birmingham board.
With no clear alternative candidates, Neil seems likely to secure the job soon.
Football pundit Carlton Palmer shared his views with FLW, emphasizing that Neil would need strong support in the transfer market: “I think Alex Neil is a great appointment if he’s backed in the transfer market. He has proved he can work with young players.”
Jordan James Transfer Latest
With the managerial appointment nearing completion, focus shifts to the players who will represent Birmingham next season. Jordan James is a highly sought-after name and is expected to leave St Andrew’s.
Italian club Atalanta, who bid for James in January, are reportedly renewing their interest in the Welsh international, who has one year left on his contract. While the exact fee is uncertain, it is believed that a bid of around £8.5 million would secure his departure, potentially making it one of the highest fees ever for a League One player.
West Ham and Wolves are also interested in James, according to Alan Nixon. Selling James could significantly enhance the transfer budget for any incoming manager, making this deal a high priority.
Menzi Mazwi to Leave Birmingham
Birmingham fans may have to wait for news on new signings until Neil or another manager is appointed, but there is ongoing speculation about player departures.
Eighteen-year-old Menzi Mazwi is attracting interest from top clubs such as Manchester United, Chelsea, and Tottenham. Despite Birmingham offering him a three-year deal, he has yet to sign, and his current scholarship contract expires this summer.
Birmingham would receive a minimal compensation fee of £300,000 if Mazwi leaves. There is also interest from Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig, indicating Mazwi might follow the paths of Jadon Sancho or Jamie Bynoe-Gittins.
Although Mazwi has not yet played for Birmingham, their relegation could expedite his first-team opportunities, testing his ambitions against the backdrop of this high-profile interest.
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