It’s been an excellent summer so far for Birmingham City, and they continue to flex their financial strength in the transfer market.

Tommy Doyle has been called the ‘signing of the summer’, while a move for ex-Celtic man Kyogo Furuhashi is proof of Tom Wagner’s desire to take this team to the Premier League sooner rather than later.

Following a record-breaking League One campaign, Blues are one of the most exciting promoted sides in Championship history and they may well be pushing for a top six finish in 2025/26.

However, there are perhaps some question marks over Jay Stansfield and whether he can make the step up to the level once again. A new starting striker from Wolves could be the perfect solution to that problem.

Birmingham City show interest in Hwang Hee-chan

Stansfield wants Birmingham to break their transfer record this summer, and bringing in another forward will be a priority for Chris Davies.

Hwang Hee-Chan of Wolverhampton Wanderers looks on during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers FCPhoto by Wolverhampton Wanderers FC/Wolves via Getty Images

According to Birmingham Live, there is interest in Wolves’ Hwang Hee-chan from Blues, but there is one major hold-up in any planned deal.

While the West Midlands outfit are a financial powerhouse in the Championship, the report states that Tom Wagner will not be able to bankroll a move for the South Korean forward.

Nevertheless, their interest is just further proof of their ambition to find themselves at the top of the second tier by the time May comes around, and Stansfield must have one specific worry.

Jay Stansfield may find himself as the second-choice striker at St. Andrew’s in the next year or so

Although Hwang is unlikely to move to St. Andrew’s for now, it is clear to see that Blues see themselves as a Premier League club in waiting.

Stansfield enjoyed a strong campaign in League One last time out, but the pressure on him will go up another level in 2025/26 and he must be prepared to take on a greater responsibility in the Championship.

Jay Stansfield of Birmingham City during the Sky Bet League One match between Birmingham City FC and Cambridge United FCPhoto by Gareth Copley/Getty Images

There is a lot at stake for Birmingham and their young striker. After a promising showing in the division while on loan just over a year ago, there are positive signs, but he needs to prove himself once more.

This season is massive for the 22-year-old, and if he does taste success, then he may just prove to his manager that he will be the first-choice number nine going forward. However, a slow start could see Blues enter the market for more cover in January.