Krystian Bielik returned to Poland earlier this week, with a decision to make. Will he join Birmingham City in League One or pursue other opportunities?

Blues benefitted from Bielik’s relegation to League One with Derby County two years ago. Keen to keep himself in contention for a place in Poland’s World Cup squad, Bielik was unwilling to drop down a level and joined Blues on loan. That move became permanent last summer after Derby failed to win promotion at the first attempt.

Bielik now finds himself in an identical position with two years remaining on his contract. The only difference this time is that there isn’t a World Cup this year or next. Poland’s next international competition is likely to be the 2026 World Cup, by which time Bielik could have played another season in the Championship with Blues if all goes to plan.

The waters are clearer where Jordan James is concerned. The eight-goal midfielder had interest in January and Blues will struggle to hang onto him this summer.

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James, 19, isn’t likely to spend a season in League One now that he has forced his way into Wales’ starting line-up. An Adam Wharton-esque figure might be pushing it, but there is no reason why Blues cannot command a good fee for James.

Ethan Laird, Paik Seung-ho, Koji Miyoshi and Juninho Bacuna also have to decide whether they can stomach a season in League One. While there is no doubt Blues have individuals capable of succeeding in the Championship, it would be heartening to see some accept responsibility for relegation and commit to helping the club out of League One.

Lee Buchanan has four years left on his contract and would be an outstanding player in League One, but it would be no surprise to see him depart if Tony Mowbray returns as manager. Mowbray and his assistant Mark Venus used Buchanan sparingly and rate others more highly.

The managerial situation is the most significant factor when it comes to Blues’ summer recruitment. It is hard to imagine anyone joining the club before clarity has been provided on Mowbray. Until that is cleared up, we are all in limbo.

Who’s doing the recruitment?

Mowbray’s absence hasn’t stopped technical director Craig Gardner and the club’s recruitment team from identifying potential targets. Lists have been drawn up and Knighthead will provide Blues with a budget better than anything else in League One.

In some cases, Blues will have players earning Championship salaries. The vast majority of next season’s opponents will not be able to compete with that.

If Mowbray returns we can presume he will have a controlling say when it comes to recruitment. January signings Andre Dozzell, Paik Seung-ho and Alex Pritchard were all green-lighted by the manager.

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