Birmingham City captain Christoph Klarer has committed his future to the club by signing a significant contract extension, solidifying his role in the Blues' ambitious project.
From Bundesliga Risk to Birmingham Success
When Birmingham City approached Christoph Klarer in summer 2024, the Austrian defender faced a career crossroads. Having just completed his debut Bundesliga season with Darmstadt 98, despite their relegation, the prospect of dropping to England's third tier wasn't part of his plan.
"Initially, when you are playing in the Bundesliga and you get a call from League One, that's not what you're looking for," Klarer admitted exclusively to BirminghamLive. "But we were going on a mission that wasn't going to end in League One."
The 25-year-old recognised the unique opportunity presented by Birmingham's project, which includes a planned ascent to the Premier League and a spectacular new stadium. "I definitely took a risk and I'm happy that it paid off," he reflected, speaking from the Players' Lounge at Blues' training base after putting pen to paper on his new deal.
Captain's Vision for Birmingham's Future
Klarer's new two-year contract extension will keep him at St Andrew's until 2029, with his wife Lara present to celebrate the occasion. "I can see my future here," the defender stated emphatically. "I'm happy where I'm at and I also want to be part of the places that this club is trying to go to."
The Blues skipper will attend Thursday's unveiling of the proposed new stadium design at Digbeth Loc. Studios. Owners Knighthead aim to open the 62,000-seater arena in 2030, raising the question of whether Klarer might lead the team out when that day arrives.
"It's definitely something that I can see myself doing," Klarer responded cautiously. "That big Sports Quarter is something we as players are looking forward to. It would be special if I could be there."
Leading Through Championship Challenges
Despite considerable off-field developments, Klarer has maintained impressive consistency on the pitch. After being named Player of the Year in his debut season, the central defender has been Birmingham's only ever-present across their first 15 Championship matches this campaign.
Under manager Chris Davies, Birmingham currently sit 11th in the table, with Klarer acknowledging the team's mixed start. "We've had disappointing results, disappointing performances, we've had some really good performances that haven't been rewarded," he offered in a frank assessment.
"When we're on it there's no one to fear in this division," Klarer asserted, highlighting the recent victory at Preston as particularly significant. "The Preston game was important and showed we don't always have to be dominant to get a result away from home."
Appointed captain following Krystian Bielik's summer departure, Klarer has embraced leadership responsibilities during challenging periods. "There's obviously expectation this year playing for Birmingham City," he noted. "As a player you can never listen to the outside noise too much, you've always got to focus on what you can control."
The Austrian credits former teammates including Andre Hoffmann at Fortuna Dusseldorf, and Birmingham colleagues like Lukas Jutkiewicz and Grant Hanley for shaping his leadership approach. "I have tried to take as much information as possible from players who have been there and done that," he explained, "but obviously still trying to be my own person."
For the boy from Böheimkirchen near Vienna who left home for England at 16, the dream remains clear: to be the captain who leads Birmingham City back to the Premier League.
