Birmingham City has experienced significant player turnover over the last two years, with 38 signings since Chris Davies took charge in June 2024, balanced by a similar number of departures. Among those who left permanently in the past year, 18 senior players have gone on to various paths and levels of success.
Here is an overview of what has become of these players:
Grant Hanley
Signed short-term to help Birmingham in League One, Hanley’s ambitions lay with the Scotland World Cup squad. After making 26 appearances for Hibernian last season, he is set to add to his 68 international caps in the 2026 World Cup in North America.
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Lee Myung-jae
The left-back signed primarily as cover and returned to South Korea with Daejeon Hana Citizen once his contract expired. Although called up to the national squad during World Cup preparations, he did not make the final team.
Romelle Donovan
The only former Blue to secure Premier League minutes in the 2025/26 season, Donovan has been a regular presence in Brentford’s squad since December, making substitute appearances in both league and cup competitions, including a match at the Etihad against Manchester City.
Ayumu Yokoyama
Yokoyama struggled to settle at Birmingham and moved to Genk B in Belgium, eventually breaking into their first team. He made his senior debut in April and scored his first goal by season’s end, establishing himself as a full first-team player at age 23.
George Hall
Hall enjoyed his most consistent playing time at Port Vale, featuring in 37 of 46 League One matches and clocking over 2,200 minutes. Despite his efforts, Vale were relegated to League Two, and Hall will continue in the fourth tier next season.
Manny Longelo
Longelo has blossomed at Motherwell, scoring nine goals last season, including a memorable brace against Rangers at Ibrox. Transitioning to a left-wing role, he contributed to Motherwell’s fourth-place finish in the Scottish Premiership and earned widespread praise.
Alfie May
Key in Birmingham’s promotion, May moved to Huddersfield but was unable to help them secure back-to-back promotions. Starting as pre-season favourites, Huddersfield ended ninth with May netting seven goals.
Krystian Bielik
Despite being club captain, Bielik moved to West Bromwich Albion but struggled to cement a starting role, making only 19 appearances in the Championship last season.
Brandon Khela
An academy graduate who turned a profit for Birmingham, Khela played 43 games for Peterborough United, contributing three goals and three assists, though Posh finished a disappointing 18th in League One.
Dion Sanderson
Sanderson left Birmingham as captain to join Derby County, becoming a regular in their eighth-placed Championship side and earning praise for his consistent performances.
Willum Willumsson
A difficult season continued after his move to NEC Nijmegen, where the Icelandic midfielder made only four appearances and spent nine consecutive games as an unused substitute.
Alfons Sampsted
At Go Ahead Eagles, Sampsted made a stronger impression, starting 13 matches and captaining the side in a Dutch Cup quarter-final despite receiving an early red card on debut.
Emil Hansson
Hansson’s stint at Heracles ended with the club’s relegation from the Eredivisie. Having only a six-month contract, the Swedish winger may be on the move again after a season of mixed fortunes.
Bailey Peacock-Farrell
Initially on loan, Peacock-Farrell’s move to Blackpool became permanent in January. He featured in 42 league games, helping the club secure a mid-table finish while overcoming past struggles from his time at Birmingham.
Tyler Roberts
Roberts saw limited game time but showed moments of quality when fit, scoring four goals in 19 appearances for Mansfield Town, who secured his permanent transfer and extended his contract.
Lyndon Dykes
Seeking regular football for Scotland’s World Cup selection, Dykes thrived at Charlton with six goal contributions in 21 league games, including a key role in their win over Birmingham. Now a free agent, Championship clubs reportedly remain interested.
Keshi Anderson
Transferred to Portsmouth in January on an 18-month deal, Anderson has battled fitness issues and will aim to make a greater impact in the upcoming season.
Alfie Chang
Having rebuilt his career following a serious knee injury through loans, Chang joined Walsall permanently before becoming a free agent this summer. He is currently focused on maintaining fitness ahead of his next challenge.