Birmingham City has had an interesting start to 2026, and they will be seeking to make the necessary changes for the duration of the winter transfer window to improve their play-off hopes.

Last Thursday, the Blues announced their intentions for the coming month by signing German full-back Kai Wagner from the Philadelphia Union on a two-and-a-half year contract at St. Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park.

The 28-year-old then played a major role in Chris Davies’ side’s return to winning ways, when they defeated league leaders Coventry City by three goals to two on Sunday lunchtime.

It was a statement and much-needed victory for the West Midlands club, who now have a clear week ahead of their FA Cup clash with Cambridge United on Saturday, allowing Davies and his recruitment staff to potentially look at further incomings while also addressing the immediate future of those who are being linked with departure.

Birmingham’s spending power under the ownership of Knighthead Capital Management has undoubtedly made headlines, however the majority of such large sums of cash have been floated in the summer rather than January.

Nonetheless, it is a critical season for the Blues, and Football League World has compiled the most recent transfer news from St. Andrew’s.

Birmingham City in three-way Championship loan battle for Sunderland AFC promotion hero

According to Chronicle Live, the Blues are up against local rivals West Bromwich Albion and their most recent opponents, Coventry, for the services of Sunderland’s previous two-time promotion hero, Luke O’Nien.

According to a report on Sunday, the three Championship clubs are considering a loan move for the versatile player, who has been on the Black Cats’ books for seven and a half years, first joining the Wearside squad in League One in the summer of 2018.

Despite playing an important role in Sunderland’s return to the English top flight with two Wembley victories over, ironically, his former club, Wycombe Wanderers, in 2022 and against Sheffield United in the Championship play-off final last May, the 31-year-old has been subjected to a massive amount of turnover this season by Regis Le Bris.

O’Nien has played only three minutes of Premier League football and was sent off against Manchester City last month for a late tackle on Matheus Nunes in the second half of a 3-0 loss at the Etihad Stadium.

Birmingham City outcast Emil Hansson is poised to return to the Eredivisie following the end of his loan from Blackpool FC

Shortly after Sunday’s round of EFL fixtures, it was revealed that Blues outcast Emil Hansson’s loan stay with League One club Blackpool had been ended after only six months.

The Norwegian had made 24 appearances in all competitions for the Lancashire club, although only three of his 17 league appearances came in the starting lineup under Steve Bruce or his successor, Ian Evatt.

Evatt revealed following the Tangerines’ 2-1 loss to Bradford City that Hansson’s loan had been terminated, and the 27-year-old was set to relocate to the Netherlands.

Blues, of course, signed the wide player from Heracles Almelo for around £1.5 million last summer. However, after only 24 games for the B9 team, he returned to the Eredivisie, signing for Excelsior Rotterdam, with the move confirmed on Monday night.

Hansson, who has only played for Blackpool this season, was in no danger of breaking the rule that players can only play for two clubs in a single season after being left out of Davies’ plans at St. Andrew’s ahead of the season.

Charlton Athletic are preparing a bid for Birmingham City’s Lyndon Dykes.

On Friday afternoon, it was claimed that Charlton Athletic, Blues’ divisional rivals and fellow League One promotion winners from last season, are interested in acquiring striker Lyndon Dykes.

Dykes has made only a few appearances as a substitute since joining St. Andrew’s from Queens Park Rangers in the summer of 2024.

The Daily Record revealed the Addicks’ interest, as the experienced forward and 48-time Scotland international seeks regular minutes to ensure his place in Steve Clarke’s team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Tartan Army’s first appearance in the competition in 28 years.

Dykes has made 23 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring twice, but he was left out of Davies’ matchday squad against the Sky Blues on Sunday.

Birmingham City’s Eiran Cashin faces uncertainty amid interest from Blackburn Rovers.

It has also been suggested that Eiran Cashin’s loan at St. Andrew’s could be cut short due to interest from Blackburn Rovers.

The Ireland international defender joined the Second City on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion in the summer, but has primarily been used as a squad player so far.

As a result, according to Alan Nixon, Rovers are trying to enter into a loan agreement with the Seagulls for their previous £9 million signing, with the possibility of a permanent deal later on.

Despite these claims, Cashin came on as a second-half replacement to help the Blues secure their first win in eight games against Coventry.