Four Birmingham City players are expected to leave next summer if nothing changes

admin | June 2, 2024 | Other Clubs | No Comments

Here we have looked at the four Birmingham City players set to leave next summer for free if nothing changes.

Birmingham City’s 13-year stint in the Championship has come to an end, with the team relegated to League One.

The 2023/24 season was terrible for the Blues for a variety of reasons, including changes in the dugout leading to bad performances on the pitch, which ultimately culminated in the club’s relegation.

Birmingham were steadily drawn into a relegation battle as fortunes began to sour midway through the season, and despite having different managers in control, the club was unable to turn things around and finished third from bottom, one point from safety.

So, the club must now prepare for life in League One, and while it is obvious that all attention will be focused on this summer and the forthcoming season, long-term considerations may also be required.

As certain Birmingham players near the end of their contracts, Football League World examines the number of players expected to leave the club next summer if nothing changes.

Juninho Bacuna

Juninho Bacuna joined Birmingham City in January 2022 from Scottish club Rangers, signing a three-and-a-half-year contract.

The 26-year-old has not signed a contract extension since, thus his current term with the Blues will expire in the summer of 2025.

Bacuna has been a frequent starter for Birmingham City, appearing 17 times in his first six months.

The midfielder then played 43 league games in the 2022/23 season, followed by 45 games in the previous campaign, over the next two full seasons.

In reality, Bacuna’s best season in Birmingham came in 2023/24, when he scored seven goals and assisted six others.

It’s unclear whether he’ll be with the club next season, but if he is and no new contract is reached, he could leave for free next summer.

Jordan James

Jordan James is another Birmingham City midfielder whose contract is coming to an end.

The 19-year-old is a product of the club’s system, having progressed through the junior and under-18 levels before appearing for the first team.

James made his debut for the team in the 2021/22 season, and his prominence has grown since then, with 33 appearances in the Championship last season and 42 in the 2023/24 campaign.

He has emerged as a significant player for the club in recent months, and his performances have not gone ignored, as there has been much chatter about potential transfers.

Atalanta have been widely connected with the midfielder, even making an offer for him in January.

West Ham and Wolves have also expressed interest in the youngster in recent days, so considering Birmingham’s relegation, a move might be in the works this summer.

If not, James’ contract will expire next summer, but the club can extend it by 12 months if necessary.

Koji Miyoshi

The next player to enter the final 12 months of his contract is Koji Miyoshi, who joined the club in 2023.

Miyoshi joined on a free transfer from Royal Antwerp in 2023, signing a two-year contract with another 12 months remaining.

The 27-year-old has recently finished his debut season in English football, and despite Birmingham’s relegation, the attacking midfielder had a solid season.

Miyoshi finished with six goals and six assists in 43 league appearances, indicating that he is a mainstay in the lineup when available.

Like many of Birmingham’s players, it is unclear whether he will remain with the club in League One next season.

Keshi Anderson

Keshi Anderson is the final player at Birmingham City whose contract will end in 2025.

The 29-year-old has played for a number of clubs over his career, including Bolton, Swindon Town, and Blackpool in the EFL.

Anderson went last summer on trial with the Blues and impressed enough during preseason to win a two-year contract.

On a personal level, the player’s debut season with Birmingham City was not ideal, as he missed a significant portion of the season due to injury, limiting him to only 20 Championship games.

He didn’t score in any of those appearances, although he did provide two assists. Anderson could be maintained at the club because to his League One experience, but he could go for free next summer if a new contract is not agreed upon.

Tags:Birmingham City