Chris Davies needs to finalize Birmingham City’s attack with a transfer raid on Barnsley.

Birmingham Continue Building for a Premier League Push

Birmingham City have shown throughout the past two years that they are determined to move in only one direction, and that is towards the Premier League. The club’s hierarchy have backed head coach Chris Davies heavily in the transfer market once again this summer, reinforcing several key areas of the squad as they prepare for another Championship campaign.

Following an encouraging first season back in the second tier, Birmingham’s ambition has become increasingly clear. Rather than settling for another respectable finish, the Blues are assembling a squad capable of competing for promotion, with every signing designed to strengthen their chances of reaching English football’s top division.

Although significant business has already been completed, there is still one area of the squad that appears to require further attention before the transfer window closes.

Busy Summer Has Strengthened the Squad

Birmingham have already added several important players during the current transfer window.

Midfielder Jhon Solis has turned his loan spell from Spanish club Girona into a permanent transfer after Birmingham agreed a deal worth around £6 million. His arrival ensures continuity in midfield while rewarding his previous performances for the club.

Further forward, Luis Vazquez has completed a move from Anderlecht for approximately £2.9 million, giving Chris Davies another attacking option alongside August Priske and Marvin Ducksch.

Defensively, Kristoffer Lund Hansen has joined permanently from Palermo to replace Kai Wagner at left-back, while goalkeeper James Beadle has returned from Brighton & Hove Albion for another loan spell after impressing previously.

Birmingham have also strengthened their central defence through the free transfer signing of experienced defender Dael Fry following his departure from Middlesbrough.

These additions demonstrate Birmingham’s commitment to building a balanced squad capable of competing across the entire Championship season.

One Position Still Needs Reinforcement

Despite strengthening multiple departments, Birmingham’s work may not yet be complete.

One of the few remaining weaknesses within the current squad appears to be on the left side of the attack, where Davies could benefit from adding another natural winger before the transfer deadline.

The departure of Ibrahim Osman following the end of his loan spell has reduced the club’s options in that position, leaving Birmingham slightly short of depth despite possessing impressive quality elsewhere across the attacking unit.

If promotion remains the objective, addressing that position could become one of the club’s final priorities.

Birmingham Already Possess Strong Attacking Depth

There are few Championship clubs capable of matching Birmingham’s current attacking options.

At centre-forward, August Priske, Marvin Ducksch and Luis Vazquez provide Davies with three different profiles capable of leading the line.

Out wide on the right, Carlos Vicente and Patrick Roberts offer creativity and experience, while Jay Stansfield and Kanya Fujimoto provide additional attacking quality in central attacking midfield positions.

On the left, Demarai Gray and Scott Wright currently represent the primary options available to the coaching staff.

However, questions remain over whether that position possesses enough depth for a long Championship campaign.

Scott Wright’s Situation Creates Uncertainty

Although Scott Wright remains an option on the left wing, uncertainty surrounds the extent of his involvement this season.

Having only recently recovered from injury, it remains unclear whether he will immediately regain full fitness and consistently perform at the level Birmingham require throughout the campaign.

At the same time, Ibrahim Osman’s return to Brighton following the conclusion of his loan spell has left an obvious vacancy within the squad.

Birmingham have reportedly explored the possibility of bringing the Ghana international back for another season, but with no agreement yet completed, attention may need to shift towards alternative targets.

Reyes Cleary Could Be the Ideal Solution

Rather than continuing to wait for developments regarding Osman, Birmingham could find an excellent alternative in League One with Barnsley winger Reyes Cleary.

The 22-year-old only joined Barnsley last summer after leaving West Bromwich Albion on a free transfer.

Despite arriving with limited senior experience, Cleary enjoyed an outstanding debut season at Oakwell, establishing himself as one of League One’s most productive attacking players.

His performances have naturally attracted attention from clubs higher up the football pyramid.

Outstanding Numbers Highlight His Potential

Cleary produced an impressive return of seven league goals and thirteen assists across forty-two League One appearances during the 2025/26 season.

Those twenty direct goal contributions underline both his creativity and finishing ability.

Even more encouraging is the fact that those numbers arrived during his very first full season playing regularly at League One level, suggesting there could still be significant room for further improvement.

Barnsley have reportedly rejected offers worth around £3 million already this summer, illustrating both the player’s growing reputation and the club’s determination to retain him.

However, Birmingham possess the financial resources to make a more competitive proposal if they decide he is the right fit.

Barnsley Unlikely to Sell Cheaply

Cleary remains under contract with Barnsley until the summer of 2028, placing the Yorkshire club in a strong negotiating position.

Without any immediate contractual pressure, Barnsley have little reason to accept a reduced fee and are expected to demand significant compensation before considering his departure.

That may increase the cost of any potential transfer, but Birmingham are among the Championship clubs best equipped financially to complete such a deal.

If Davies truly believes Cleary can improve the squad, the transfer fee should not become a major obstacle.

Style of Play Suits Birmingham Perfectly

One of Cleary’s greatest strengths is his versatility and effectiveness from the left wing.

Operating predominantly on that side, he regularly cuts inside onto his stronger right foot, creating shooting opportunities while also supplying quality crosses and through balls for teammates.

That profile closely resembles the type of attacking threat Birmingham require following Osman’s departure.

His arrival would immediately increase competition for Demarai Gray while giving Davies another dynamic option capable of changing matches.

Statistics Suggest Significant Promise

Cleary’s underlying numbers reinforce the impression created by his performances.

Across forty-two appearances, he started thirty matches, scoring seven goals despite generating an expected goals figure of only 4.25.

He also registered thirteen assists compared to an expected assists total of 7.06, highlighting remarkable productivity in the final third.

In addition, he completed fifty-two successful dribbles and recorded one hundred and seventy-four touches inside the opposition penalty area.

Those statistics demonstrate his willingness to attack defenders directly and consistently place himself in dangerous positions.

Clinical Finishing or Unsustainable Form?

Some observers may question whether Cleary’s impressive output can be replicated in the Championship.

Because he significantly exceeded both his expected goals and expected assists totals, there is an argument that fortune played a role in his excellent numbers.

Players rarely continue outperforming statistical expectations over extended periods, particularly after stepping up to a more demanding division.

However, another interpretation is equally plausible.

Rather than being fortunate, Cleary may simply possess exceptional composure and decision-making in attacking situations, allowing him to convert chances more efficiently than average players.

Only sustained performances at Championship level will provide the definitive answer.

More Reasons for Optimism Than Concern

Although any transfer from League One carries a degree of uncertainty, there are plenty of reasons to believe Cleary could adapt successfully.

Before his breakthrough season, he struggled to establish himself within West Bromwich Albion’s first team and experienced relatively quiet loan spells with Walsall and Hartlepool United.

Instead of allowing those setbacks to define his career, he responded by developing into one of League One’s standout performers.

That resilience suggests he possesses both the mentality and determination required to continue improving at a higher level.

Davies Must Strengthen the Left Wing

Whether Birmingham ultimately pursue Cleary or another target, strengthening the left side of the attack should remain a priority before the transfer window closes.

Relying almost exclusively on Demarai Gray would expose unnecessary risk across a demanding Championship campaign filled with injuries, suspensions and fixture congestion.

Healthy competition often brings the best performances from players while giving managers valuable tactical flexibility throughout the season.

If Birmingham genuinely intend to challenge for automatic promotion, adding another high-quality winger could prove just as important as any signing already completed this summer.

Cleary Could Complete Birmingham’s Promotion Puzzle

Birmingham’s current ownership have made no secret of their long-term ambition to establish the club in the Premier League.

Every decision during the transfer window has reflected that objective, and one final attacking addition could complete an already impressive squad.

Reyes Cleary appears to possess the technical quality, creativity and confidence needed to make the step into the Championship.

While the transfer would involve an element of risk, the potential rewards could be considerable.

For Birmingham, acting decisively now could secure one of League One’s brightest attacking talents before his value rises even further, giving Chris Davies another weapon as the Blues pursue promotion back to the Premier League.