Birmingham City: Romelle Donovan decision could reap serious rewards - View | OneFootball

The teenage prospect will play against some of Birmingham's rivals this season, and he could help to take points away from them

At just 17, Romelle Donovan has already integrated himself into the Birmingham City first-team, but his loan move to Burton Albion could really unlock the youngster's true potential.

Donovan was first called up to the senior squad by former Blues boss John Eustace in January 2023, but never got to make his mark at the age of just 16 under Eustace.

It was Wayne Rooney who gave Donovan his chance off the bench in his first home game in charge in October 2023, in what ended up a 2-0 defeat to Hull City.

Donovan became the fifth-youngest player to appear for the Blues in their history at just 16 years, 10 months and 25 days, but with City going on a spending spree this summer to strengthen their squad, the decision was made to find the teen a loan move to enhance his development.

Birmingham City & Romelle Donovan could both benefit from Burton Albion deal

Under Rooney, Donovan amassed 10 appearances in the Championship, and for a player of his age, that's very impressive.

The youngster has showed great promise so far, and if all goes well after a loan spell with their League One rivals Burton Albion, it's likely that the winger will be in and around the first team next season.

Coming through the Blues academy, the now 17-year-old appeared in Birmingham's under-21's team which reached the Professional Development League National Final in 2021, despite only being 14.

The winger is skillful and adds an element of flair to his game, and scored an impressive goal during the under-21's 3-1 victory against Barnsley in the PDL back in March.

He now joins a Brewers side managed by former Chelsea development coach, Mark Robinson, which is certainly set to help Donovan enhance himself in the professional game, going to a manager that is well-versed in giving youth a chance.

Birmingham manager Chris Davies is keen for the young winger to get minutes over the course of the 2024/25 season. This comes alongside Blues academy graduate George Hall, who made the loan move to Walsall this summer.

Davies spoke to Birmingham Live, saying: "For us it’s about game time more than anything else, otherwise they could hang around here and train with us and develop in that way.

"It’s about making sure they go somewhere where they get the best chance to get minutes on the pitch."

Davies clearly has a plan for the youngster, and after his vast experience of 15 years at the likes of Tottenham, Liverpool and Celtic, it could be a match made in heaven.

If Donovan seriously impresses in League One, don't be surprised if Davies includes him straight from the off in the 2025/26 season.

Romelle Donovan could follow in the footsteps of previous Birmingham City graduates

With a chance of hitting the ground running, Donovan could follow the line of academy graduates from Birmingham to get on the big stage.

Of course, the Bellingham brothers are the stand-outs, but then there are the likes of Demari Gray, Nathan Redmond, Jordan James and many more that have made an impact in the professional game.

Blues' history of including these youngsters in their first-team is an ongoing trend, and certainly something they pride themselves on.

Donovan could replicate that of Redmond, who went on loan to Burton in 2011, and flourished in the Birmingham side of 2011/12 and 2012/13. Redmond got a move to the Premier League with Norwich City after his performances, and Donovan will be hoping to emulate his efforts.