Football League World
·13 October 2024
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·13 October 2024
A few events could make Blues' 2025 January window a fairly successful one in the Midlands.
Birmingham City's biggest signing of the summer transfer window was Jay Stansfield.
After joining permanently from Fulham, the striker has the opportunity to establish himself as one of the best forwards in the EFL, having enjoyed a decent 2023/24 campaign at St Andrew's.
However, Stansfield was just one of numerous signings for Blues, who enjoyed a very productive summer transfer window, as they look to secure a return to the Championship at the first time of asking.
Many of these players are likely to thrive at this level throughout the 2024/25 season - and it would be a surprise if the Midlands side don't secure a top-two place at the end of this term.
However, there may still be work to be done in January, whether that's loaning players out, selling them or making more signings.
Below, we take a look at what a dream 2025 January window could look like for Chris Davies' side.
Alfie Chang hasn't been in action since sustaining a serious knee injury - and it has been a long road to recovery for the young midfielder.
He suffered this blow at an important time in his career - a time he could have used to become an integral part of the Midlands side's first team.
Instead, he has spent time on the sidelines and following a very busy summer at St Andrew's, it's unclear whether he will be able to force his way back into the matchday squad when he fully recovers from his injury.
However, the fact he already has senior experience under his belt is useful and that should help him if he goes out on loan.
Being pictured in training last month, it wouldn't be a surprise if he's fit sooner rather than later and if he can get back to match fitness by January, a loan exit could allow him to play more football and develop.
The midfielder will need to be managed carefully though.
Josh Williams hasn't featured this season - and his only appearance in a matchday squad came against Walsall in the EFL Trophy.
However, he didn't make it off the bench and following a fairly uneventful and unsuccessful loan spell at Cheltenham Town last term, his time at St Andrew's may be coming to an end.
His chances of winning much game time at right-back seem slim, with the likes of Taylor Gardner-Hickman and Alfons Sampsted able to operate in this position, as well as Ethan Laird when he's available.
Selling Williams in January would probably be the right outcome for all parties in January, even if Blues don't receive much money for him.
Paik Seung-ho reportedly attracted interest from Leeds United and Sheffield United during the summer.
Thankfully for Blues, the midfielder has shown his commitment to his current side this week by signing a new deal to extend his stay at St Andrew's until the summer of 2028.
However, that doesn't necessarily mean that the Whites and the Blades won't come back in for him, with the former potentially having a decent amount of money to spend following several summer sales.
But the new deal does put Birmingham in a stronger negotiating position - and they could use that to retain the South Korea international.
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