Birmingham City are poised to part ways with Iceland international midfielder Willum Willumsson before the transfer window closes, with manager Chris Davies confirming the move is imminent.
Davies Confirms Likely Departure
Speaking after Birmingham City's 2-0 Championship victory over Oxford United at the Kassam Stadium on Saturday, Chris Davies addressed speculation surrounding Willumsson's future. The midfielder was absent from the matchday squad, fuelling rumours of an impending transfer.
When questioned about the possibility of Willumsson leaving the club, Davies stated: "Very possibly. I don't know where exactly that is and how much progression that's taken but yes, that looks likely."
Dutch Interest and Player Background
Dutch Eredivisie side NEC Nijmegen have emerged as the most aggressive suitors for Willumsson's signature over the past week. The 27-year-old midfielder joined Birmingham City from Go Ahead Eagles eighteen months ago, bringing with him a proven track record in Dutch football.
Should this transfer proceed as expected, Willumsson will become the latest departure from Birmingham City's summer 2024 recruitment drive. This would leave just six players remaining from the seventeen signings made during that transfer window.
Squad Implications and Replacement Strategy
Birmingham City are not anticipated to seek a direct replacement for Willumsson within their current squad. Instead, manager Chris Davies appears set to rely on Kanya Fujimoto to provide cover for attacking options Marvin Ducksch and Jay Stansfield.
Fujimoto has made only two brief Championship appearances this season, making this potential increased responsibility a significant development in his Birmingham City career.
The timing of this potential transfer adds another layer to Birmingham City's January window activity, with the deadline fast approaching. Supporters will be watching closely to see how this departure might affect squad dynamics and tactical options for the remainder of the Championship campaign.
