Birmingham City will aim to challenge for promotion next season under Chris Davies, following a solid first season back in the Championship.

With the kind of investment that Blues have received since their US owners came, many believed they could have achieved back-to-back promotions last season, winning League One with an EFL points record in 2024/25.

However, despite missing out on the play-offs, Birmingham showed some promising indications in the previous season, so the transfer window is now about making the necessary changes to ensure the team competes for promotion next season, rather than a total squad overhaul.

Demarai Grey might secure a fast Birmingham City exit.

While there will be a focus on incomings, the Blues will also need to move people on, and Demarai Grey is one player who might find himself on the move.

That comes as journalist Fabrizio Romano revealed that there is interest in the Jamaica international, who has a clause in his contract that allows for an escape within the next month.

According to Romano’s update, the popular winger’s contract features an exit provision that is valid until July 10. According to reports, many unnamed clubs have already made enquiries, implying that Grey might be on the move after only a year in the Second City if a strong proposal for his services is received.

The local youngster, who came up through the ranks at Birmingham, returned to St. Andrew’s last summer and appeared in 37 games last season, scoring five goals and assisting on the same amount.

That was a solid return, but it’s fair to say that the 29-year-old had an erratic season, with fans only seeing glimpses of his immense potential, and Grey suffered especially after returning from injury in the latter part of the season.

Birmingham needs to revamp their offensive ahead of the 2026-27 season.

Obviously, we don’t know the specifics of the release clause, and it will be intriguing to see what kind of sum the Blues will receive for Grey.

As previously stated, his performance last season was erratic, but there is no disputing that Grey is a player with a strong pedigree for this level.

At 29, he should still have a lot to give in the Championship, and even if he loses some of the pace that was essential to the way he played earlier in his career, he is still capable of big moments and is a threat cutting in from the left to his right foot.

However, financially, it may make sense for Blues to let Grey go, given he is almost probably one of the club’s highest earners.

Can Birmingham justify paying so much for someone who may not be in the top XI every week? The leadership will consider this, and Grey, if he is not a starter, may seek a new challenge.

So, there are several aspects to consider, and the Blues will undoubtedly be looking for a speedy winger after Ibrahim Osman returned to Brighton following a loan spell with the club.

With the release clause’s date, this won’t take up the entire summer, which will favour Grey and Birmingham, and it will be interesting to see how it plays out in the following weeks.