“I can see the sense in this move” – Birmingham City linked with signing 27-year old: The verdict | OneFootball

This article is part of Football League World’s ‘The Verdict‘ series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Birmingham City have been the latest club to be linked with a move for Callum O’Dowda.

According to Birmingham Live, the Blues are set to rival Cardiff City and five other clubs for the 27-year old’s signature this summer.

The Irish international’s time with Bristol City is over following the expiration of his contract.

Here, we ask our FLW writers for their verdict on O’Dowda’s potential move to Birmingham…

Marcus Ally

It would not be a wholly inspiring signing, however given the situation the Blues are in, they need reliable performers at Championship level.

Callum O’Dowda would offer them that and also some added versatility to Lee Bowyer.

Quiz: Can you name which club Birmingham City sold these 23 players to from the last decade?

1 of 23

Ben Foster

Watford West Ham United Manchester United West Bromwich Albion

The Blues performed pretty well with a very thin squad in 2021/22 and next season will be another survival mission, unless their state of affairs at board level changes.

With staying up the modest aim, O’Dowda would be a decent signing to bring some more second tier experience and energy to midfield areas.

Without a large budget for the level anymore, the Blues need to be clever in the transfer market and O’Dowda on a free would be a very low risk addition.

I’m surprised to hear Birmingham City being linked with a move for Callum O’Dowda.

He is an in-demand free agent this summer, don’t get me wrong, however, I don’t think he would be the best fit for Birmingham City.

They are looking like losing Kristian Pedersen on a free transfer this summer, but if the Blues continue to play a three-back formation next season, O’Dowda should not be seen as a good replacement.

Pedersen essentially played as a wing-back this campaign and I feel that O’Dowda’s best position is that of a traditional left winger.

I can’t help but feel there must be better options for both parties out there this summer.

Ned Holmes

I can see the sense in this move.

With Jeremie Bela likely heading for the exit door, Callum O’Dowda could be an option to fill the void he leaves on the left flank.

Things didn’t work out for the versatile winger at Bristol City, with the Republic of Ireland international never really fulfilling his potential at Ashton Gate, but it may be that a fresh start elsewhere is just what he needs to get his career back on track.

Birmingham’s squad needs to be freshened up and landing O’Dowda on a free agent deal should be a fairly affordable way to move towards that.