Birmingham City head coach Chris Davies has warned supporters that the squad is not yet complete as the club prepares for a busy pre‑season period and a friendly against Barcelona at St Andrew’s on Friday.
Slow market and targets still to come
Davies told BBC Radio WM that the club have identified positions they want to strengthen but may have to be patient as the transfer market has been slower than usual, a situation he partly attributed to the impact of the World Cup.
"We've got a few gaps to fill still which we're working on and hopefully, in due course, that will happen," Davies said.
The Blues have made some moves already: Dael Fry has been brought in from Middlesbrough, goalkeeper James Beadle has returned on loan from Brighton, and midfielder Jhon Solis's loan deal has been made permanent. At the same time, the club have seen departures including Japan international Kyogo Furuhashi and defender Kai Wagner, both moving to Major League Soccer.
Fitness updates and selection issues
Davies provided updates on player availability ahead of the Barcelona friendly. He indicated that midfielder Paik Seung‑Ho should be available for selection. Defender Ethan Laird has returned to training and Phil Neumann is expected back in the squad this week, having missed the weekend's pre‑season wins over Crewe and Northampton Town.
However, there are concerns over the fitness of Taylor Gardner‑Hickman. Davies admitted the midfielder has "picked up an injury" and that it "looks like it could be a bad injury to his leg," though he stressed further assessment will be needed in the coming days.
What this means for the squad and fans
With key matches approaching and the Championship season looming, the management’s task is to balance bringing new players into the group while managing recovery and fitness of existing squad members. The high‑profile friendly with Barcelona will offer a valuable test for both current signings and those returning to fitness.
- Transfers confirmed: Dael Fry (in), James Beadle (loan in), Jhon Solis (permanent)
- Departures: Kyogo Furuhashi, Kai Wagner (to MLS)
- Fitness watch: Paik Seung‑Ho expected, Ethan Laird back in training, Phil Neumann likely to return, Taylor Gardner‑Hickman injured
- Upcoming fixture: Friendly vs Barcelona at St Andrew’s on Friday
| Category | Player | Status |
|---|---|---|
| New signing | Dael Fry | Joined from Middlesbrough |
| Loan | James Beadle | Re‑signed on loan from Brighton |
| Permanent | Jhon Solis | Loan turned permanent |
| Departures | Kyogo Furuhashi, Kai Wagner | Moved to MLS clubs |
| Injury concern | Taylor Gardner‑Hickman | Possible serious leg injury — assessment pending |
Davies acknowledged that the timing of deals can slip towards the end of pre‑season or even into the opening weeks of the campaign, a reality that requires both planning and flexibility from the club. For supporters, the immediate focus will be on the Barcelona match and waiting for clarity on Gardner‑Hickman’s condition.
Further updates are expected as medical reports become available and any additional signings are confirmed.
