Ben Davies played 44 games on loan at Birmingham City from Rangers last season
14:45, 09 May 2025Updated 14:21, 27 Jul 2025
Ben Davies (L) and Kieran Dowell (R) arrive for Rangers’ pre-season training
Chris Davies has left the door ajar for Ben Davies to make a return to Birmingham City after his successful loan spell last season.
The defender was a revelation at St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park, making 44 appearances and helping Blues to 23 clean sheets on their way to the League One title.
However, there was no option to buy Davies included in the loan agreement so he returned to Rangers but he hasn’t been able to work under new Ibrox boss Russell Martin due to an injury.
After omitting Davies from Rangers’ first pre-season friendly Martin said: “Ben’s injured. He trained for a week and then picked up a small injury. He’s not fit.”
Davies, 29, hasn’t been able to work his way back into the fold under Martin yet and Rangers have revamped their defence with the signings of Emmanuel Fernandez from Peterborough United and Nasser Djiga on loan from Wolves.
There is also talk of Rangers moving for Leicester City centre-back Conor Coady so there could be a route out of Ibrox for Davies before the summer is out.
And Blues’ interest in re-signing Davies didn’t end with the acquisition of left-footed centre-back Eiran Cashin.
Blues manager Chris Davies said: “No, not necessarily. At the moment we have got four centre-backs which is what we want.
“If nothing changes then we are where we are but you just don’t know how things are going to develop in the next few weeks.”
What is Davies’ situation at Rangers?
Davies only has 12 months remaining on his contract at Ibrox which means that this is Rangers’ last chance to make money on the defender.
Rangers paid Liverpool a reported £4million to sign Davies but they will have to take a big hit on that to sell him to Blues.
Rangers manager Martin was asked about the futures of Davies and other players on the fringes of his squad after their friendly with Middlesbrough (July 26) and said: “I think we have interest in a fair few of the players but as and when they go, I don’t know, I will just wait for Kevin to tell me what’s going on.
“Whilst they are here they will be treated with care and respect and professionalism, and it might not always be on the terms they want and like, but I think if we’re honest with each other and respect each other, and they respect the group, there’s not going to be a problem.”
What has Ben Davies said?
Usually, when a loan player whose contract doesn’t include an option nor obligation is asked whether they would like to sign for that club permanently, they straight bat the question and say very little.
Davies did the exact opposite when he was asked if he would like his loan move to be made permanent at the end of March.
Davies said: “I’m going to work here till the summer then see what my agent says. I’m really enjoying it here so if the opportunity arose I’d consider it seriously.
“But it’s not really my decision at the minute so I’m going to wait and then see what’s happening.”
Davies made an impression
The defender has been talked up as a leader by his colleagues and he forged an excellent partnership at the back with Christoph Klarer.
Klarer commented: “I’ve spent most of my time with Ben and we’ve complimented each other very well. You can see Ben has played at a higher level and he will play at a higher level for the rest of his career.
“It has been a joy to be with Ben on and off the pitch because he’s such a likeable and professional character, so that makes it easier for me to play next to him.”
What needs to happen for Davies to return?
One of Blues’ four existing centre-backs would need to leave for Davies to return. The likeliest to depart is captain Krystian Bielik with Christoph Klarer still essential and Phil Neumann and Eiran Cashin only joining this summer.
Bielik was a bit-part player during the second half of last season and is set to begin the season out of the team. Bielik would likely have to leave Blues for Davies to return.
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