After the January revelation, it would be premature to terminate the Birmingham City player permanently. Look at

As we near the end of the calendar year, managers up and down the EFL are beginning to put contingency plans in place ahead of the January transfer window, which follows the hectic festive schedule which is now looming.

The window gives the likes of Wayne Rooney his first opportunity to lay down a marker when it comes to calling this current Birmingham City squad his own, as 12 additions were made during John Eustace’s final transfer window in charge four months ago.

Young left-back potential facing exit door

It was recently revealed by Darren Witcoop of the Sunday Mirror that the Blues have already made some preparations, which include names that could depart from the Second City in less than a month’s time.

Alongside the experienced Neil Etheridge and Scott Hogan, the final name mooted was young full-back Emmanuel Longelo, who has only been a permanent member of the Birmingham squad since last January after initially impressing on loan from West Ham United.

After an impressive debut season in the second tier despite Birmingham’s struggles at times, during which he made 26 appearances in all competitions, this season has been less plain sailing for the left-back, who has found himself falling down the pecking order despite Rooney’s limited options in this position.

So far this campaign, Longelo has played a full 90 minutes on seven occasions, with the last of those coming against Southampton on October 28th, with a 12-minute cameo against Ipswich the following week being his last taste of being in the side, as Lee Buchanan was subsequently restored to the XI.

Scott Hogan may be set to depart St. Andrew’s this summer, but is he the right fit for the Owls?

Would it be a mistake for Rooney to permanently move on Longelo?

Despite not featuring in recent weeks, you only have to look at some of his performances throughout his time in Royal Blue and brief first team experience under David Moyes to recognise that the potential is definitely there with Longelo.

As previously touched upon, he does face strong competition from Lee Buchanan, who has proven his ability as a steady Championship player in B9, and is no stranger to Rooney from the duo’s time at Derby County two seasons ago.

Prior to Buchanan’s return to the lineup, it speaks volumes that in the defeat to Sunderland, the former Manchester United and England legend opted to deploy Cody Drameh on the left flank, despite that being the Leeds United loanee’s less natural side.

Unlike Etheridge and Hogan, who are also facing a significant crossroads in their careers, the age and potential of Longelo means that Rooney could make a big error in moving the full-back on permanently, with a loan seemingly more suitable.

Potential moves that could benefit Emmanuel Longelo

Due to Birmingham’s current League position, the most sensible option would be to move Longelo to a League One side that is perhaps on the periphery of the play-offs ahead of the big end to the campaign.

This gives Rooney and his backroom team, which includes former Chelsea and England left-back Ashley Cole a half-decent sample size to assess his performances ahead of the summer, before both parties can weigh up future options.

In fact, one particular quote from the full-back’s interview with The Athletic proves his understanding of how much of a result business football is in the lower reaches of the EFL, which would bring him added motivation to succeed.

“I’ve gone from playing under-21s to first-team football and now I’m understanding the importance of three points. It can be the difference between taking care of your family or not. That’s why I’m eager to do well. The fans have been supportive and my message to them is, the best is yet to come.” He said.

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