Birmingham City’s next big transfer could already be on their doorstep

League One champions-elect Birmingham are just at the beginning of what could be a magnificent redemption story under owner Tom Wagner and manager Chris Davies.

Blues were always going to take League One by storm – especially after their significant investment into the squad last summer – but the manner in which they’ve dominated the English third tier has been impressive nonetheless.

Convincing quality players from top flights to drop down to Birmingham’s level was tough at first but it didn’t take long for the glitz and glamour of the overarching project to reel in targets. Blues might be two divisions below as it stands but a glorious return to the Premier League is very much on the cards with the hierarchy eager to achieve two promotions in rapid succession.

The Championship is of course a different kettle of fish to League One but many of the current crop are arguably of sufficient quality already, while further new additions could increase Birmingham’s chances of a quick rise up into play-off contention next season.

Targets are already being chalked up ahead of the summer transfer window as Blues aim to get themselves best prepared for their likely rise up to the second tier. But they may not have to look far to recruit in one position as one potential signing is already on the books, in sorts.

Birmingham could seal in-house transfer

One avenue Blues have successfully explored recently is the signing of loanees permanently. It’s already been confirmed that Taylor Gardner-Hickman and Alfons Sampsted are joining for the long term from July following loans from Bristol City and FC Twente respectively, while there’s a chance others could follow suit.

Dowell was hardly used by Rangers in the first half of the campaign but he didn’t take long to get up to speed at St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park. Three goals in 11 League One appearances so far have merely scratched the service as Blues have looked a far more potent attacking outfit with Dowell on the pitch

The former Everton and Norwich City man has been in the top 10 per cent of League One players for seven different metrics per 90 minutes – including touches, shots on target, expected goals, expected assists, successful passes, successful crosses and accurate long balls.

Other options in attacking midfield include Willum Willumsson, Keshi Anderson, Scott Wright, Taylor Gardner-Hickman and Marc Leonard, while Fulham loanee Luke Harris was brought in for depth. Despite the intense competition, Dowell has shown signs of being among the best creators at the club and Blues may be tempted to try and secure his services permanently.

As Rangers weren’t too bothered about keeping the 27-year-old around in January and his contract at the Ibrox Stadium comes to an end in June 2026, Birmingham could possibly secure a cut-price deal – just as they did to sign Wright. It awaits to be seen just how much Rangers would want for Dowell, whose current value stands at £1 million as per Transfermarkt.

Would you like to see Dowell join Birmingham for the long term? Let us know in the comments section.‎