Queens Park Rangers have entered the January transfer scramble to sign Birmingham City midfielder Marc Leonard, but face stiff competition from fellow Championship sides Norwich City and Sheffield United, Birmingham World can reveal.
Midfielder Seeks Fresh Start
The 24-year-old Scotsman, who joined Birmingham from Brighton & Hove Albion in July 2024, has found first-team opportunities severely limited this season. Leonard has managed just 685 minutes of Championship football and is now considered surplus to requirements at St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park.
This marks a significant shift from the summer, when head coach Chris Davies successfully persuaded Leonard to stay following the club's promotion. Davies assured the player he would have a role to play, but that promised involvement has not materialised as expected.
QPR Reignite Their Interest
QPR, who were keen on Leonard last summer, have now revived their pursuit as they seek to bolster their midfield options. While talks are at a preliminary stage via intermediaries, no formal agreement is yet in place. The final decision will hinge on Leonard's preference and Birmingham's assessment of the offers.
The writing appears to be on the wall for Leonard's Birmingham career. He finds himself behind the likes of Paik Seung-ho, Tomoki Iwata, and Wolverhampton Wanderers loanee Tommy Doyle in the midfield pecking order. With little prospect of his playing time increasing, a January exit is increasingly logical.
Loan Move Most Likely Outcome
Given that Leonard still has two and a half years remaining on his contract, a temporary loan move this month is viewed as the most probable scenario. The player is understood to be determined to remain in the Championship, with potential moves to Loftus Road, Carrow Road, or Bramall Lane offering that guarantee for the rest of the season.
Birmingham City are already preparing for his departure. The club have agreed a deal to sign 21-year-old defensive midfielder Jhon Solis on a six-month loan from Girona, with an obligation to buy for around £6.9 million if certain appearance clauses are met.
The coming days will be crucial in determining which Championship club can secure the signature of Marc Leonard and offer him the fresh start he seeks.
