The expensive Birmingham City player that will undoubtedly begin the summer clear-out

Birmingham City’s out-of-contract players, notably centre-forward Scott Hogan, are likely to leave the club in the summer.

Nobody expects Hogan, 31, to stay with the club beyond June, when his contract ends. Hogan is nearing the end of his four-year contract with Blues, which he signed after joining from Aston Villa in 2020.

Ren pushed the boat out to sign Hogan following a loan spell in which the striker scored seven goals in 17 games to assist the Blues retain their Championship status in 2020. The striker has been the Blues’ leading goalscorer in each of the previous two seasons.

A goal glut at the start of last season overshadowed his struggles in front of goal following the World Cup break. Hogan failed to score from open play in his final 20 outings of 2022/23 before having his season cut short due to groin surgery.

Speaking after receiving his award in May, Hogan apologized to Blues supporters and hoped that an injury-free season would result in a higher goal total.He said: “I regret to supporters and everyone at the club; I was unable to perform to the best of my abilities beginning in January. That’s on me; I should have reported things. I was unable to run, and my performance suffered as a result. That is on me; I accept responsibility and apologize to the club and fans.

“I’ve had the operation I needed and I’ve got the summer to build back for pre-season and I can hopefully have a season for the first time in five, six years where I feel pain-free.”

Hogan has kept himself fit. While others have fought to be available for every game, Hogan has been injury-free. His form has been a problem, and this will undoubtedly be his final year at St Andrews.

The striker hasn’t scored since August and has two goals in 22 outings. Hogan, who was frequently used by John Eustace, struggled under Wayne Rooney and was eventually dropped from the Blues squad.Tony Mowbray has given Hogan a few starts, but he was also left out of two squads.

The monies freed up by Hogan’s impending departure will allow Mowbray to sign one or two replacements who aren’t nearing the end of their careers. With nine players out of contract, Hogan will not be the only one to go, but he will be one of the most notable.