“It’s a risk”: Pundit sends a warning to Birmingham City over transfer concern

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.

“It’s how you spend that money. There is a question mark over some of these signings because we don’t know how they will equip themselves for football in this country. If they were cheaper buys, for this level, there’s a bit less risk. But, you’re looking at £10m on players that you’re not sure about, so that’s where the uncertainty is. Not with the intent, but whether it’s money well spent.”

Patience will be needed at Birmingham City

Many will argue with McAnuff on this point, and there’s no doubting that Birmingham must be title contenders because their budget surpasses almost all of their opponents.

However, he has a valid point in that both the players and the new boss require time.

Davies has just recently begun working with the players, and the majority of the squad will be made up of newcomers, so things will take some time to gel.

Of course, they will be expected to produce results immediately, but connections on the field will develop over the next several months, and Davies may not know his best team until later in the season.

To be sure, the signals in pre-season indicate that things are coming together, as the team has looked fantastic, notably in victories and performances against Rangers and West Brom.

The league, however, is different, and there will be expectations on Birmingham, which they must all deal with, especially if opponents change how they play against them.

Birmingham City’s summer transfer plans

There is still business to be done for Blues, and it is not all good news, as Jordan James appears to be leaving the club for Rennes, necessitating his replacement, despite his recent success.

That will help to balance the books, and it may allow Davies and the recruitment team to make some more high-profile signings, as the manager has previously stated that he wants two players for each position.

So it may be a fascinating few weeks ahead, with Birmingham opening their season at home against Reading on Saturday at 17:30.