Five free agents that Blues should target to save millions this summer
Quite a few high-quality Championship players have been told they can leave at the end of their contracts this summer.
We go through the ones who we think would provide a wealth of experience and quality and ultimately save the club millions.
While the takeover talks are ongoing and Lee Bowyer’s position as Blues boss is under threat, time is of the essence to bring in players before pre-season.
With very little money moving between clubs in the division, savvy recruitment will be a necessity once again for Technical Director Craig Gardner, especially this summer with there being more high-quality free agents on the market than ever before.
Free agents available this summer
Nathan Byrne
Derby’s relegation could offer Blues the opportunity to get themselves a new right-back in the form of Nathan Byrne. After signing from Wigan, the pacey defender has been first choice for the last two seasons. The 29-year-old still has a lot to give for a Championship outfit and can also operate in a right-wing-back role, a position Blues will no doubt be looking to fill in this window.
Joe Ralls
Ralls has spent the last 10 years at Cardiff City since rising through the youth set-up, but his time could be up in South Wales as his contract is up and the Bluebirds have yet to offer him a new contract. Cardiff boss Steve Morison has spoken very highly of the 28-year-old, saying: “For me, he’s top five in the Champ, and he’s top five when it comes to stats.” The central midfielder could prove to be a very good coup as he offers composure in possession, something Blues have lacked this season.
Josh Koroma
Another player that is out of contract this summer is Huddersfield’s Josh Koroma. The 23-year-old was the shining light for Town last season but he has struggled to hold down a starting place in the side this time around. The pacey forward has scored 12 goals in 33 games for Huddersfield and would be a good addition for Lee Bowyer’s side. However, it all falls on whether Huddersfield get promoted or not as they still have an option of an extra year to keep him at the club which is yet to be activated.
Tom Ince
Stoke confirmed Tom Ince’s departure after four years on the Potters’ books and it remains to be seen whether Reading will sign him on a permanent basis or not. A Championship veteran, the 30-year-old has had a very respectful stint at Reading. The winger has shown he can definitely still do a good job in this division and would be a steal for any team to get him on a free. With the future of Jeremie Bela uncertain, Ince would certainly be a perfect replacement.
Alfie Mawson
In truth, this move would be a bit of a gamble but if it pays off it would be up there as signing of the summer. Despite making only 17 appearances in the last two Championship seasons, Mawson has been plagued with injuries. However, still only 28, he has all the attributes you want in a Championship defender. Blues were linked with him in January and it’s no doubt he’ll be eager for a fresh start now Fulham have returned to the Premier League.
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All passed their best,have better Academy prospects and until the take over (??) situation is resolved l would not do anything.
Totally agree yesterday’s men. We need to promote from within the academy and look in the lower leagues for players with desire and hunger to prove themselves at Championship level.
I think any potential takeover could drag on. With the new season starting in July we need to be looking at getting players in ASAP as we are very light in numbers.
Yea, we need players like Scott Twine of Milton Keynes, scored 20 goals in 13 games this season. PS , no relation to me .
Put him with our own young players , Bailey , Andrews , Stirk , etc we should be OK.