Birmingham City stars Marvin Ducksch and Phil Neumann have responded to left-back Kai Wagner’s departure from St Andrew’s to the Philadelphia Union.

Birmingham City has huge intentions, but after finishing 10th in the 2025-26 Championship season, they will have a busy summer. The club is focused on returning to the Premier League, and with their team from last season falling short, significant changes are likely as the Blues seek a spot in the top level for the first time since 2011.

One of the more unexpected exits this summer has been that of left-back Kai Wagner, who has been confirmed to leave the club after only six months. Wagner was signed from the MLS team Philadelphia Union in January, but he is returning to Pennsylvania after only six months in England.

The player initially signed a two-and-a-half year contract with the club, but the club has confirmed that Wagner “expressed a desire to return to the United States with his family for personal reasons,” which led to an agreement with Philadelphia that “satisfied all parties” for his return to MLS.

Kai Wagner’s heartfelt goodbye speech prompts comments from Birmingham City stars.

Kai Wagner has sent an emotional farewell to Birmingham City as he prepares to return to the United States and Philadelphia Union. In a farewell letter uploaded on the social media platform Instagram, he wrote, “The 7 months have been an absolute pleasure to play for this badge,” and, “Thank you for all of your support, and I wish everyone the best!”

https://www.instagram.com/kaiwaaagner/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=AGP7OCiCOPHvCR6QXIdpy12

Among others who have commented to the post are two of Birmingham’s other players, Phil Neumann and Marvin Ducksch, who expressed their admiration for Wagner, with Neumann using heart emojis and Ducksch characterising the player as a ‘A King’, implying Wagner’s ability to provide assists.

Although Wagner’s time at Birmingham City was limited, it was also productive, with a streak of strong performances for them in the second part of the 2025-26 season. Birmingham have yet to replace Wagner, with Jhon Solis, Dael Fry, and goalkeeper James Beadle returning to the club on loan this summer.

What are supporters saying about Kai Wagner’s Birmingham City departure?

Kai Wagner’s return to the Philadelphia Union has surprised and disappointed some Birmingham City fans. Here’s what others are saying about his leaving; this American observer understands that Wagner’s return to MLS will be terrible news for the Blues.

Kai Wagner’s time with Birmingham City was limited, but he made an impression with a streak of excellent performances as the Blues chased a play-off spot for a place in the Premier League.

He made his Championship debut for them in a 3-2 win against Coventry City in early January, and he went on to make 18 appearances for them in the second part of the 2025-26 season, scoring once and assisting three times.

Wagner’s words as he left the team to return to Philadelphia made it plain that his main motivation for wanting to return was his family condition. The guy had previously been with the team for six years, and the cultural shift from the United States to England seemed to have been too much to handle.

While Birmingham City fans will be disappointed to see such an accomplished player leave after only half a season with the club, there is little to be gained by keeping an unhappy player, and the Blues will at least profit from him, with the decision made in plenty of time to find a replacement for the start of the new season. Birmingham’s loss may be Philadelphia’s gain, but the Blues have at least come out of it with money in the bank.