Birmingham City’s best XI after transfer window includes Demarai Gray and Wolves and Brighton loanees

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Birmingham City have had a solid start to life back in the Championship and that’s been largely down to the transfer calls they made over the summer.

Tough decisions were made during the recent window to boost the club’s chances of not only staying in the second tier, but to push towards promotion. Fan favourite from the League One promotion season Alfie May was sold to Huddersfield Town, while club captain Krystian Bielik moved on to West Bromwich Albion amongst other departures.

Blues sporting director Craig Gardner then utilised the financial backing from NFL legend Tom Brady and co. to add some star power to the team. Birmingham are far from the biggest spenders in the division, but they have made smart additions including ex-Celtic man Kyogo Furuhasi, as well as Marvin Ducksch.

Their first defeat of the season at Leicester City last time out may have led Chris Davies to reconsider his best XI. EFL Analysis has taken a look at what that may be, should the Birmingham boss play a 4-3-3.

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Birmingham City’s best XI for the 2025/26 season

Goalkeeper – Ryan Allsop

Allsop has played every Championship game this season, conceding four goals so far. Last term he kept 21 clean sheets in 45 appearances in all competitions, winning the League One golden glove and making it into the PFA’s Team of The Year. With Bailey Peacock-Farrell on loan at Blackpool, ex-Sheffield Wednesday loanee James Beadle has been Birmingham’s backup, featuring only in the League Cup.

Left back – Alex Cochrane

There’s a reason why Birmingham fans were worried when Alex Cochrane was injured against Blackburn Rovers. The 25-year-old has been a big miss since but returned to the bench against Leicester. He started every one of his 42 appearances in the league last term bar one game. Back up Lee Buchanan has been absent with a knee injury, so Cochrane is still guaranteed to start.

Centre back – Eiran Cashin

Brighton and Hove Albion loanee Eiran Cashin has appeared at centre-back for Birmingham so far this season. Formerly at Derby County before moving to the Premier League in January, the 23-year-old has a big task on his shoulders breaking into Davies’ back line permanently, but the left-footed defender is likely to start over deadline day addition Jack Robinson. He looked comfortable against Sheffield United.

Centre back – Christoph Klarer

Christoph Klarer has been the shining light in Birmingham’s backline since he joined last summer. There’s a reason why he’s been given the captain’s armband. Defensively solid and happy with the ball at his feet, the 25-year-old only missed three League games last term. Phil Neumann has played a lot this season, but can be Klarer’s deputy in the right centre back position.

Right back – Bright Osayi-Samuel

Ethan Laird has done well when called upon at left back and in his cameos, and Alfons Sampsted signing on a permanent deal after last term’s loan was a smart move. However, Bright Osayi-Samuel’s performances mean it will be hard for the latter players to push him out the XI. After joining on a free transfer from Fenerbahce, the defender looks to be an absolute steal.

Defensive midfield – Tomoki Iwata

Birmingham fans were calling for a back up for defensive midfielder Tomoki Iwata this summer. Players such as Marc Leonard have filled in there during League Cup games, but the Japanese star is a class above the rest. He has played 90 minutes of every Birmingham league game so far this season.

Central midfield – Paik Seung-ho

Paik Seung-ho, Iwata’s midfield partner, is another player that is becoming undroppable for Davies. He and Iwata have the highest progressive ball carries (18 and 19) this season aside from Klarer’s 20 and Laird’s 27. He was one of the many Blues players to be in the 2024/25 PFA Team of the Year.

Attacking midfield – Tommy Doyle

Wolverhampton Wanderers loanee Tommy Doyle has been struggling to break into Birmingham’s starting XI, being limited to cameos in the league so far. However, his starts in the League Cup in midfield show he could provide a strong attacking threat through the middle for the Blues. Davies may look at unleashing him in that role. Willum Willumsson and Marvin Ducksch can step in here too.

Left wing – Demarai Gray

Demarai Gray signed on a free transfer from Al-Ettifaq to return to his boyhood club this summer. He is currently out with a shoulder injury, but has been a key player so far, recording the most ball carries this season (11), just behind Laird (12). His blistering pace and ability to read passes makes him an almost guaranteed starter. Keshi Anderson is a good back up option.

Right wing – Patrick Roberts

Reuniting with Doyle following their time at Manchester City together, Patrick Roberts joined on loan on deadline day from Sunderland. Birmingham had been missing an out-and-out winger on the right to compliment Gray, and his record at Sunderland shows he can play a huge role in getting teams promoted.

Striker – Jay Stansfield

Up top is last season’s highest goalscorer Jay Stansfield. The ex-Fulham striker has been on fire already this term, scoring in three in as many of Birmingham’s opening games. Kyogo Furuhashi will cost up to £10million according to reports and can be a fantastic backup option for the Blues. He will no doubt find his shooting boots in the league very soon.

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