Swedish winger Emil Hansson has brought a challenging chapter at Birmingham City to a close, securing a permanent transfer to Dutch top-flight club Excelsior Rotterdam.
A Stint Marred by Struggle
Hansson arrived at St Andrew's in the summer of 2024, one of a significant influx of 17 new signings, joining from Dutch outfit Heracles. However, the move did not yield the desired impact for either party. The attacker found consistent form and fitness elusive during Blues' League One title-winning campaign under previous management.
Current boss Chris Davies deemed the player surplus to requirements ahead of the current season, leading to a loan spell at Blackpool. That temporary move to Bloomfield Road also failed to reignite his career, with Hansson featuring only sparingly in the third tier once again.
Fresh Start in Familiar Surroundings
The situation was resolved on Monday, 6th January 2026, when Birmingham City confirmed Hansson's recall from Blackpool and his immediate, permanent switch to Excelsior Rotterdam. The 26-year-old has signed a contract with the Eredivisie club that runs until the end of the current season.
Speaking upon his return to the Netherlands, Hansson expressed a strong desire to rediscover the form that initially prompted Birmingham to sign him. "I'm coming here with a lot of hunger," he stated. "After a period with injuries, I see this as an opportunity to prove myself and be valuable again. Excelsior is a club with a clear style of play, and that suits me well."
Fighting for Eredivisie Survival
His immediate focus is clear: helping his new team avoid relegation. Excelsior are perennially involved in the battle for survival in the Dutch top division, and Hansson has immediately bought into the collective mission.
"The most important thing is that we stay in the Eredivisie with Excelsior," he affirmed. "We're going to work hard together to achieve that." He also highlighted the atmosphere at the Van Donge & De Roo Stadium as a key attraction, noting, "The stadium may not be the biggest, but it's always full and there's a great atmosphere. I'm looking forward to playing in front of the supporters."
The transfer concludes an 18-month association with Birmingham City that ultimately failed to work out for the player or the club, allowing both to move forward. Hansson will now aim to become a key figure in Excelsior's fight for Eredivisie safety.
