Exits on the cards as deadline looms

The summer transfer window closes at the end of this week and attention will naturally be on whether Blues add to the raft of additions made so far.

The summer transfer window closes at the end of this week and attention will naturally be on whether Blues add to the raft of additions made so far. The interest in a certain striker in West London continues to fill social media news feeds, although a deal for Lyndon Dykes is likely to end that pursuit for now.

While Blues may still add to their ranks, Scott Wright a likely addition, Chris Davies has confirmed there will also be those going in the opposite direction. Some will go in search of much needed minutes to support their development, others after being squeezed out of the first team picture. And as was the case with Jordan James, there remains the possibility Blues receive an offer they can’t refuse for a first team regular.

Here we take a look at who might leave the club ahead of the August deadline…

Romelle Donovan

Fans who were tuned in to pre-season would have been forgiven for expecting Donovan to feature heavily during the opening games of the season. Indeed it wouldn’t have shocked anyone had he made the starting XI v Reading. As it was he never made the squad. He was at least on the bus to Charlton in the league cup but again was left in the stands, and there’s been little to suggest he’ll get a chance in the first team. There’s no doubt Donovan has raw ability but Chris Davies is yet to be convinced he has the all-round game for first team action. A loan move looks likely with the plan for Donovan to come back stronger as a result.

Verdict: Out on loan

George Hall

A succession of injury problems has held back George Hall and Davies has made it clear he doesn’t see him troubling the starting XI any time soon. He had opportunities in pre-season but seems unable to really influence proceedings, or to grab a game by the scruff of its neck. He needs to play senior football week in week out to build back his confidence. You’d expect Blues could sanction a temporary departure in the hope he too comes back a different animal. Blackburn have an interest but he needs to play and would benefit from being the main man somewhere.

Verdict: Out on loan

Tyler Roberts

A fit and firing Tyler Roberts is a big deal at this level. He did well at Charlton in the cup but has yet to make a league match day squad which will be a cause for concern for a player obviously desperate to make up for lost time due to injuries. His 4 year contract and decent wages may be a stumbling block for any permanent move away, so a loan move may suit all parties. Harder one to call but as the clock to deadline day ticks on, and if game time continues to prove elusive, Roberts may push for a way out

Verdict: Stays, for now

Siriki Dembele

Surprised us by edging out Emile Hanson for the Reading game but was ineffective, hauled off at half time and hasn’t been seen since. Blues will need a plan B at times and they’d struggle to find a winger at this level who can match what Dembele can do when the mood takes him. That said Yokoyama’s brief cameos showed similar qualities and with an obvious admirer at Blackburn Rovers you wouldn’t be surprised if Blues sanctioned a permanent move for Dembele, if the numbers stacked up.

Verdict: Sold

Paik Seung Ho

A class apart at this level and you can imagine a long list of admirers for the South Korean international. The fact there’s been very few rumours or suggestions of a departure is a strong indication that a) Blues won’t entertain interest and more importantly b) that Paik is content to do a year slumming it in the third tier

It would take something silly now for Blues to consider cashing in. You just hope that the player remains up for the challenge.

Verdict: Stays

Koji Miyoshi

A classy playmaker on his day but they’ll always be doubts about his size and physique and he can be brushed off the ball too easily at times. Links to Scott Wright make Koji’s departure a possibility although most would be sad to see him go. Hasn’t played enough games in the 10 where he’s probably best suited

Verdict: Stays, hopefully

Dion Sanderson

Sanderson probably owes Blues after allowing his form to drop off a cliff last season. Had a good pre-season and then a shaky ish start against Reading, followed up with an avoidable dismissal in the cup and an untimely injury. He might struggle to get back in if Klarer and Bielik settle into a partnership (and with the arrival of Ben Davies) but with Chris Davies keen to have 4 senior centre backs to choose from, Blues won’t be pushing Sanderson out the door. Sanderson is too good for league one, and Blues will hope he can rediscover the consistency he showed at the start of last season.

Verdict: Stays

Keshi Anderson

Despite Blues taking up the option on Keshi Anderson’s contract that was before Chris Davies was installed, and during pre-season it looked like the ex-Blackpool man could be squeezed out the first team picture.

An impact against Reading and Wycombe, followed by his first blues goal at Leyton Orient have pushed him up the pecking order.

Blues aren’t blessed with loads of League One experience. Anderson on the other hand has spent most of his career at this level and that know-how could be key.

Verdict: Stays

Lee Buchanan

Thrown him in here for the simple reason he isn’t listed in the men’s first team squad on the new Blues App. More than likely an oversight, but he will expect to play regularly at this level having been one of the few to emerge from last season with some credit. The signing of Alex Cochrane may impede that a bit, and a pre-season calf injury will add to his frustration.

Another one who’s too good for this level but he’s more a defensive full back than an attacking one, and longer-term there may be questions about whether he fits the bill for Chris Davies.

Verdict: Stays, for now

Others

Expect a flurry of u21 players to head out on loan over the coming days. Josh Home and Byron Pendleton all featured in pre-season but their development will be better served playing senior football elsewhere for now. Forgotten man Josh Williams may also end ties with the club this month. Of the other youngsters, a loan move will come too soon for Alfie Chang who will continues his recovery from a knee injury. The most protracted departure in history will come to an end as Juninho Bacuna confirms his move to Saudi.

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