Goals, steel and free agent options that can help Birmingham City rebuild

Birmingham City’s squad overhaul could be quite drastic this summer, depending on the decisions that need to be made on each of the host of players whose contracts are set to expire. The Blues are already five players lighter than they were on the final day of the season after completing loan deals for their loan quintet.

After relegation, the Blues have the opportunity to sweep the decks. The goalkeeping department might have a whole new look, but right through the backbone of the team, the Blues have gaping holes where they are currently missing contracted players. From the heart of defence, through midfield and especially up top, the Blues are in need of recruitment.

Football tends to stop for a few weeks after the season ends. The play-offs are ongoing, the retained and released lists are still being confirmed on a club-by-club basis. Within a month, the transfer motor will begin to spin. As it stands, the Blues have no goalkeepers, no centre-forwards and a recognized centre-half – if you count Krystian Bielik as a midfielder.

Players who are under contract can leave. Jordan James will certainly have interest, for example. As they did last summer, it’s fair to assume the Blues could need up to a dozen players this summer. Negotiations between clubs and players whose contracts have expired are ongoing, but there are likely to be situations that the Blues can exploit.

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Protection

Paddy McNair

The Northern Ireland international left Middlesbrough after six years without being offered a new contract. McNair, 29, can – like Bielik – play in several positions and has Premier League pedigree. However, he fell out of favor following the appointment of Michael Carrick, but is unlikely to be without offers this summer.

Di’Shon Bernard

The Manchester United academy centre-half has signed a one-year deal with Sheffield Wednesday and played his part in their Championship survival. He is likely to receive an offer to stay at Hillsborough but is expected to be in demand again. The Blues may not be able to give him Championship football for at least a season, but there is an interesting long-term view.

The middle of the field

Alan Browne

The Preston North End captain has an offer on the table but is believed to be set to leave Deepdale after ten-and-a-half years and more than 400 appearances. He appeared to say goodbye at the end of the trip to West Brom on the final day of the season. The Irish international would bring a wealth of experience and leadership while only just turning 29.

Dominic Ball

He is set to leave promoted Ipswich Town after starring in successive promotions. The midfielder spent a considerable amount of game time at QPR before being relegated to League One, so he has plenty of experience and know-how, as well as a recent taste of success and what it takes to achieve it in the third level.

attack

Tyrese Campbell

The Blues need fresh faces in the final third. Still just 24, Campbell leaves the Potteries after eight years at the club, which he joined from Manchester City as a child. He has had injury problems before but has played plenty of Championship football over the past two years and knows where the back of the net is – Campbell has scored 31 goals in 87 league starts.

Which position do the Blues need to strengthen most urgently? Tell us here