According to the Sunderland Echo, Birmingham City centre-back Dion Sanderson has been linked with a move to Scottish giants Rangers.
The Blues’ defender has fallen out of favour at St Andrews after losing his captaincy last season due to a drink-driving charge, as the Midlands club was demoted from the Championship in a terrible season.
The ambitious side, controlled by a US consortium that includes NFL legend Tom Brady, is eager to assure fast promotion and is willing to invest up to £20 million this transfer window, with new manager Chris Davies plainly not viewing Sanderson as part of his plans. Birmingham have already made moves in the window, signing Alfie May and Bailey Peacock-Farrell from Charlton Athletic and Burnley, respectively, and Sanderson appears to be on the verge of joining.
The 24-year-old joined Birmingham on a permanent basis in the summer of 2023 and has made 37 appearances for the club. Sanderson has previously played with the Blues on loan twice in his career, in 2021-22 and 2022-23.
Sanderson had played for Cardiff City, Sunderland, and Queens Park Rangers before returning to the Midlands after progressing via Wolverhampton Wanderers’ academy. The defender made only one cup appearance at Molineux, leading him to seek greater playing time abroad.
A transfer north of the border might give Sanderson with more game time for a club contending at a higher level, with Phillipe Clement’s team aiming to break Celtic’s SPFL title reign and compete in Europe. After joining Birmingham on a four-year contract, a transfer would require a respectable sum, which may be a stumbling barrier. However, if the defense makes a move, he could get a fresh start and a chance to win big.
This is a move that benefits both sides. Sanderson has fallen out of favor at Birmingham owing to off-field troubles, and a move could help him rehabilitate his career and resume playing. Rangers will assist him in this endeavor, and Glasgow will gain a capable, young defender with extensive experience.
As for the selling club, Birmingham are clearly ambitious and want to move on from last year’s disastrous campaign, so letting Sanderson leave may help them recover.
