For Alfie Chang, reflecting on his time at Birmingham City brings a mix of pride and “what ifs.” Once a rising star nurtured alongside Jude Bellingham and Jordan James in the Blues academy, Chang was a promising midfielder whose future seemed bright at St Andrew’s.
After breaking into the first team during the 2022/23 season under John Eustace, Chang made 17 appearances and looked set to establish himself further. Only the likes of Krystian Bielik and Ivan Sunjic stood between him and a regular midfield role. “Looking back, it was an amazing breakthrough for me,” Chang shared on the Keep Right On Podcast. “Despite the ups and downs, injuries, and being in and out of the squad, I’m proud of what I achieved.”
The following season promised even more opportunities. Pre-season showed promise with a full 90 minutes in the Carabao Cup, but tragedy struck during training. A freak knee injury caused by a twisting motion tore multiple ligaments—ACL, MCL, PCL—and damaged the meniscus. “It was more than the usual ACL injury, requiring two surgeries spaced months apart. Mentally, it was the toughest challenge because I was told I’d miss at least a full season, and that’s a huge setback for a young player eager to play 40 games a season.”
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Over 17 months sidelined, Chang witnessed multiple managerial changes at Blues—from Eustace’s departure to Wayne Rooney, Tony Mowbray, Gary Rowett, and finally Chris Davies. “It was strange seeing so many different faces in charge while I was stuck in rehab, separated from the squad,” he noted.
Finally, in January 2025, Chang made his return in an FA Cup win against Lincoln City—his 20th and last competitive game for Birmingham. Seeking regular football to rebuild his career, he went on loan to Walsall, where he scored his first professional goal and even played in the League Two play-off final at Wembley.
With his Blues contract ending, Chang understood his fairy-tale was near its end. The club’s ambition to climb to the Premier League meant they were investing heavily, and he needed consistent playing time elsewhere. A subsequent loan to Bristol Rovers became a turning point. “Playing 19 games and starting 16 boosted my confidence and proved my knee could handle it. That was massive for me.”
In January, he left Birmingham City for Walsall permanently—a move that stripped away the comfort blanket of his boyhood club. “It was daunting but necessary,” he admitted. Unfortunately, his second spell at Walsall didn’t go as planned, leading to his release recently.
Through it all, Chang holds no bitterness. Instead, he cherishes his 13 years with Birmingham City—from youth academy to first team—and the people who supported his growth. “I loved it here. The club helped me grow into the player and man I am today. Special thanks to the academy staff and John Eustace, who gave me my big chance.”
Now, having battled back from injury and navigated the highs and lows of professional football, Alfie Chang looks ahead, ready to write the next chapter of his career.