Birmingham City have enjoyed an extremely productive start to the window, as Chris Davies looks to build a team that can make it consecutive promotions.
The ambitions of Blues are well-known under their US owners, and the flurry of signings already through the door, which include Kyogo Furuhashi, Tommy Doyle and Demarai Gray, among others, means many observers expect them to be in the mix to reach the Premier League.
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Whilst the bulk of the work has been done, Blues could still benefit from a few more additions, and it has been claimed they are interested in signing Jamie Vardy.
Jamie Vardy emerges as Birmingham City transfer target
The 38-year-old Leicester legend is a free agent after leaving the Foxes this summer, and even though Blues have generally targeted younger players, it’s always important to strike the right balance.
Given Vardy’s pedigree, with the ex-England international having scored nine goals in the Premier League last season, it’s certainly a signing that would get fans talking.
Jamie Vardy’s stats over the past two seasons
Campaign
Division
Appearances
Starts
Goals
Expected goals (xG)
Conversion rate (%)
Assists
2023/24
Championship
35
18
18
17.07
31
2
2024/25
Premier League
35
35
9
11.21
16
4
Source: Sofascore
Obviously, his age is a concern, but here we outline THREE reasons why Birmingham will be interested in Vardy…
They lack proven quality up front behind Kyogo Furuhashi
Most importantly, there is a role for Vardy to play in this Birmingham squad.
Jay Stansfield and Furuhashi should be outstanding options at this level, but Stansfield may occupy a deeper role, so you could argue the Japanese international is the only out-and-out striker who is good enough for a promotion-chasing Championship side.
That may seem harsh on Alfie May, but the reality is that he is 32 and untested at this level. Meanwhile, Lyndon Dykes managed just one league goal in 25 outings last season.
So, even if Vardy may not start every week, he could play an important role, and it’s worth reiterating that he scored nine times in the top-flight last season, so there are no signs to suggest he is finished.
He will bring a winning mentality to the dressing room
As mentioned, promotion is the aim for Davies and Birmingham next season, so he will want players who have been there and done it to help the group, and Vardy has certainly done that.
He has played on the biggest stage for club and country, and he was an integral part of the Leicester squad that defied the odds to win the Premier League.
Crucially, as far as Birmingham and Championship experience goes, he also has two promotions from the Championship on his CV during his time with the Foxes – two title-winning campaigns in 13/14 and 23/24 no less.
That winning mentality and know-how could be crucial for Blues this season, as, for the first time in a long time, there is genuine expectation around St. Andrew’s this season.
So, you need players who can handle the pressure of a promotion battle, and Vardy will be able to.
He can help raise the growing profile of the club
Of course, what happens on the pitch is the most important thing for Birmingham, but there’s no denying that Vardy would help raise the profile of the club.
Blues have been doing all they can to make their mark on a bigger scale, with Tom Brady and the Amazon documentary taking the club to areas of the world where they may not have been previously well known.
We’re not saying Vardy has the same pull as the NFL legend, but he is an iconic figure in modern Premier League history.
He will sell shirts, he will be entertaining on and off the pitch, and having Vardy in royal blue will help Birmingham grow their brand on the world stage.