Jobi McAnuff has confessed that he is not completely satisfied by Birmingham City’s transfer strategy just yet, as he wants to see how many of the new signings adjust to life in England.
It’s been a fantastic summer at St. Andrew’s, with the hierarchy providing significant funding to new manager Chris Davies as they strive to develop a side capable of winning promotion back to the Championship on the first attempt.
On paper, several of the new recruits appear to be astute purchases, and the fact that the Blues have spent nearly £15 million, more than any other team in League One, puts them in pole position for the third-tier crown.
Jobi McAnuff issues cautious Birmingham City message
However, in an interview with BBC’s Football Daily podcast, EFL expert McAnuff cautioned against getting carried away just yet, highlighting the obstacles that come with bringing players from abroad, with Christoph Klarer, Willum Willumsson, and Emil Hansson all unproven in English football.
“Their recruitment has been a real mixed bag (where they’ve been signed from). The interesting ones are the European signings, that will not be too familiar to myself or the fans.
“I’m certain it’s data driven, so it’s a risk in that sense of how they settle, do they fit into the system, the league itself, the expectation around Birmingham, so I’m intrigued to see how they do. If they don’t do well, it’s a big outlay for players I presume are fundamental to the way Davies wants to play.