Every summer, Championship clubs eye a handful of standout free agents, and in 2026, midfielder Dan Neil is rapidly becoming the prime target. Neil will leave Sunderland at the end of his contract in June, having spent the latter half of the season on loan at promotion hopeful Ipswich Town.
Ipswich’s potential Premier League promotion could take Neil to the top flight, but if he remains in the Championship, Birmingham City should pursue him aggressively. At 24, Neil boasts 150 Championship appearances and experience on both sides of the play-off campaign spectrum, making him a valuable and proven asset.
Recently relegated Wolverhampton Wanderers have already shown interest, and other promotion-chasing teams will likely follow suit.
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Several other premium free agents are attracting attention. Goalkeeper Karl Darlow, whose Leeds United contract expires this summer, brings Championship promotion experience to the table. Having recently established himself as Leeds’s Premier League number one, Darlow could seek a new challenge if his contract is not renewed. Birmingham City, needing a goalkeeper after James Beadle’s loan concludes, would benefit from the seasoned 35-year-old’s experience.
Defensively, Blues must replace Jonathan Panzo and are particularly targeting a left-footed central defender for squad balance. Middlesbrough’s Dael Fry, another free agent candidate, fits the bill. While Fry has faced injuries, he managed 28 Championship appearances this season and is regarded as one of the league’s top centre-backs when fit.
Midfield will demand significant attention. With Tommy Doyle returning to Wolves, Jhon Solis’s future uncertain, and Tomoki Iwata primarily a right-back who can slot into midfield, Birmingham will need reinforcements. Josh Laurent, 30, offers a contrasting but equally effective profile to Neil. After featuring heavily in Burnley’s promotion-winning season and maintaining a Premier League presence, Laurent’s versatility—capable of playing right-back and central defense—makes him a highly sought-after asset.
Jefferson Lerma is another potential target who continues to perform at a high level. Having previously earned Championship promotion with Bournemouth, Lerma currently plays for Crystal Palace and was part of their FA Cup-winning squad last season. Despite limited starts this season, his pedigree guarantees interest.
Up front, Birmingham City’s attack will require rejuvenation. Ross Stewart might become available if Southampton secure promotion back to the Premier League. Overcoming injury setbacks, Stewart has impressed with seven goals and three assists in just 905 Championship minutes this term. If Southampton do not exercise his contract extension, a host of clubs will be eager to acquire him.
While Jay Stansfield and August Priske are secured for next season, Birmingham will need additional attacking options should Marvin Ducksch or Kyogo Furuhashi depart. With these free agents potentially on the market, Blues have a promising pool to strengthen their squad for the challenges ahead.