"This one hurts" - Birmingham City fans left torn on Chris Davies transfer decision as player leaves | OneFootball

Ayumu Yokoyama's departure from Birmingham City has received mixed reaction from supporters on social media

Birmingham City have today confirmed the permanent departure of winger Ayumu Yokoyama to KRC Genk, and Bluenoses are divided on the news.

Signed from J. League outfit Sagan Tosu just last summer on a three-year contract, Yokoyama made 19 appearances across all competitions in the first-half of the 2024/25 campaign before departing on loan to Genk of the Belgian top-flight.

Yokoyama found the back of the net on three occasions in Birmingham's run to the EFL Trophy final but failed to start a single League One match under hugely-popular head coach Chris Davies, who was not all-too-trusting in the winger despite lauding his talent.

With opportunities limited at Blues, Yokoyama headed out on loan to Genk's B team Jong Genk after only half a season, and his stay in Belgium has now been made a permanent one after he scored once from nine appearances in the Challenger Pro League.

Birmingham confirmed Yokoyama's departure to Genk via the club's official X account on Thursday afternoon, and it has left the Blues fanbase torn.

The tricky 22-year-old winger showed flashes of real quality and potential for Birmingham and had been billed as an exciting acquisition for the long-term future upon his arrival from Japan last summer, but for one reason or another, it never quite worked out.

Indeed, a fair majority of supporters are sad to see Yokoyama go, with one Bluenose fan "gutted" by the news of the attacker's departure.

Similarly, another supporter admitted that "this one hurts".

Meanwhile, one fan wrote: "Farewell sweet prince, always a baller in my eyes sad to see you gone so soon."

And this fan was in little doubt over Yokoyama's talent and potential too, as he wrote: Shame it didn’t work out and definitely a talented player but thank you for everything Ayumu. Good luck and all the best for the future."

The sentiment of Yokoyama's talent is shared throughout the Blues fanbase, who would not have expected a departure after just one year when the gifted winger was picked up less than twelve months ago.

However, others have reasoned with the exit and, after enjoying record-breaking success in their 111-point title-winning campaign last term, ultimately trust in just about any decision made by owners Knighthead or Davies himself.

Chris Davies, Knighthead backed by Birmingham City fans for Ayumu Yokoyama transfer decision

Although Birmingham fans would have loved for Yokoyama's time at the club to have worked out, the faith in Davies is unwavering.

Davies has earned significant buy-in from supporters after leading the club back to the Championship in style, and others can see why the former Tottenham Hotspur assistant never found a place for Yokoyama in his starting side before offloading him to Belgium.

Interestingly, another Bluenose claimed that Yokoyama would have walked into most Birmingham sides of the last decade - the majority of which were spent battling against relegation from the Championship - such was the strength of their title-winning squadron.

However, faith in Davies' judgement remains intact as he wrote: This guy walked into most Blues teams for the last ten years, but if Chris Davies doesn’t want him, then neither do I."

Both Davies and Knighthead have received backing for the decision to offload Yokoyama.

Knighthead's aggressive and lavish recruitment approach last summer set the tone for the type of dominance Birmingham asserted in League One throughout the season just gone, and it's no secret that Blues' top-brass want to achieve consecutive promotions to the Premier League.

In the view of this supporter, Knighthead want players who can instantly slot in and perform instead of long-term signings like Yokoyama, as he explained: "Shame. I liked him and thought he had talent.