Brian Dick

Birmingham Live’s Keep Right On podcast is being rebranded and joining the All Out Football podcast network for its fourth season. Reporters Alex Dicken and Brian Dick will continue providing Birmingham City coverage, including interviews, transfer analysis, match reporting, access to club figures and weekly fan Q&As.

Bristol City sporting director James Ellis praised Max Bird’s professionalism and commitment as the midfielder completed a move to Birmingham City. Bird, who joined Bristol City from Derby County in February 2024 and made 162 appearances, signed a three-year deal with Birmingham and made his debut as a substitute in the 0-0 draw with Sheffield United. He could make his full debut against his former club at St Andrew’s, while Bird thanked Bristol City’s fans, staff and teammates for his two years at the club.

Birmingham City will not pursue Sporting Gijón midfielder Cesar Gelabert, despite earlier reports linking him with a move. The club remains focused on adding a number 10 and a left-winger, while its attempt to re-sign Ibrahim Osman has been delayed by Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler’s positive assessment of the player during pre-season. Captain Christoph Klarer discusses how becoming a father has helped him separate football from family life. Carlos Vicente and Jay Stansfield also helped launch Birmingham City Foundation’s powerchair football programme, with Blues players donating part of their win bonuses to help fund the specialist chairs.

Birmingham City ended their pre-season unbeaten by defeating a youthful Barcelona side on penalties after a 2-2 draw. August Priske opened the scoring and Jhon Solis equalized after Barcelona twice threatened, while goalkeeper James Beadle recovered from an error to save two penalties. Jude Bellingham's return to St Andrew's was a major crowd highlight. Alex Cochrane impressed despite the arrival of Kristoffer Lund, and Birmingham's summer recruitment was generally encouraging, although Chris Davies still needs more depth in the No. 10 and central midfield positions.

Birmingham City drew 2-2 with Barcelona in a high-profile pre-season friendly at St Andrew’s before winning 3-2 on penalties. August Priske gave Birmingham the lead, Abdelkarim equalised from the spot, and Barcelona later moved ahead after James Beadle’s handling error. Jhon Solis restored parity from a set piece, and Beadle then made crucial saves before Birmingham prevailed in the shoot-out. The match drew 28,366 spectators and marked the clubs’ first meeting in Birmingham since their historic Inter-Cities Fairs Cup encounters.

Former Birmingham City defender Darren Purse has been appointed manager of Sligo Rovers on an 18-month contract, taking his first senior management role after five years working in Cardiff City's academy and loan system. Sligo are bottom of the ten-team League of Ireland Premier Division but sit only one point behind Waterford, giving them a chance to reach a relegation playoff. Purse says the immediate priority is winning enough matches over the next 12 games to preserve the club's top-flight status. He had previously been linked with Birmingham City's Under-21 role, which was ultimately given to Scott Sellars.

Chris Davies confirmed that Taylor Gardner-Hickman suffered a minor injury during Birmingham City's 1-0 pre-season win over Burton Albion, calling it the only negative of the night. The manager outlined the squad’s fitness progression and preparation for upcoming matches, including a double-header and a final friendly against Barcelona. Jay Stansfield made his first pre-season appearance following an earlier injury and is still working toward full fitness ahead of the competitive opener against Swansea City.

Dwight Yorke expresses confidence that Birmingham City can earn promotion from the Championship, noting that the league remains open and unpredictable. He highlights the advantages of recently relegated clubs but points to Coventry City, Hull City and his own past success with Sunderland as proof that ambitious teams can surpass expectations. Yorke believes expanded playoff places provide more opportunities and argues that clubs such as Birmingham City, Wrexham and Blackburn Rovers should enter the season expecting to compete for promotion.

Kai Wagner left Birmingham City after six months to return to the United States, citing family reasons and stressing his departure was unrelated to the club. He expressed gratitude toward Birmingham City’s staff, teammates and supporters, while noting the experience helped him grow and adapt to not being a leading figure in the squad. Rejoining Philadelphia Union, he highlighted his desire to contribute as a leader and voiced optimism about the team’s prospects.

Paris Saint-Germain is pursuing Aston Villa left‑back Lucas Digne after his strong World Cup performances and consistent club season. A clause in Digne’s Villa contract, reportedly valued at under £10 million, allows him to speak to PSG if triggered. Despite competition from Ian Maatsen, Digne has remained Unai Emery’s first choice and is among the club’s higher earners, making a potential sale financially viable. The development coincides with news of a similar clause involving Youri Tielemans amid interest from Manchester United, as Villa prepares to face PSG in the upcoming UEFA Super Cup.

Gary Neville downplays tension between Jude Bellingham and Thomas Tuchel after England’s extra‑time World Cup quarter‑final win over Norway, noting that differing post‑match comments reflect competitive standards rather than conflict. Tuchel criticised the team’s performance despite the victory, while Bellingham emphasised the players’ effort and declined to comment further. Neville argues the dynamic is normal within elite teams and believes both figures ultimately aim to elevate performance ahead of England’s semi‑final against Argentina.

Jude Bellingham’s standout performance in England’s 2-1 World Cup quarter-final win over Norway reignited discussion about Birmingham City’s decision to retire his shirt number at age 17. Ian Wright and Gary Lineker praised Bellingham’s rapid rise and influence, with Lineker suggesting he could become England’s greatest footballer. Bellingham has previously downplayed the shirt retirement, calling it a number reserved for a potential future return to Birmingham City.

Agent Mohamed Dahman confirmed that Algeria international Anis Hadj Moussa intends to leave Feyenoord following the World Cup, amid reported interest from Aston Villa and Newcastle United. Despite Feyenoord’s reluctance to sell, a €35 million fee was cited as potentially influential. Hadj Moussa’s social media activity suggests openness to a Premier League move, while Villa aim to strengthen their wide positions after inconsistent performances and injuries among current wingers.

Aston Villa transferred 22-year-old defender Sil Swinkels to Sheffield Wednesday on a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee. Swinkels, who joined Villa from Vitesse Arnhem in 2020 and spent time on several loans, highlighted Wednesday’s long-term vision as a key factor in his move. Sporting director Simon Wilson praised the defender’s physical attributes, ball progression ability and development during his successful loan at Chesterfield.

Gabby Agbonlahor criticises UEFA and Premier League spending rules, arguing they unfairly restrict Aston Villa and Newcastle while allowing Tottenham to spend heavily despite poor league finishes. He points to Villa being fined for breaching Squad Cost Ratio rules while Spurs invest in multiple high-cost players, and questions how smaller-revenue clubs can compete with financially stronger teams. Agbonlahor claims the system prevents ambitious clubs from bridging the gap to top Premier League sides and limits their long-term aspirations.

Aston Villa are rated strong favourites to sign Jarrod Bowen following West Ham’s relegation and rising transfer speculation, with betting odds placing Villa well ahead of other contenders. Commentary from talkSPORT’s Andy Goldstein has further fuelled expectations of a deal, while past remarks from Bowen about his father’s support for Villa add narrative interest. West Ham’s sale of Mateus Fernandes to Tottenham may reduce pressure for additional departures, but Bowen and other key players continue to attract significant attention.

Aston Villa and Newcastle United have reportedly advanced discussions to sign Algerian winger Anis Hadj Moussa, who is prioritizing a move to the Premier League after deciding to leave Feyenoord. Feyenoord are holding out for a €35 million fee but are not expected to keep him long term. Villa are seeking reinforcements on the right wing following squad changes and loan moves, while Moussa’s strong recent performance record adds to the interest.

Aston Villa are releasing twelve young players as their contracts expire on June 30, including eight academy graduates and four scholars. Ronnie Hollingshead has joined Kings Lynn Town and Ewan Simpson has signed for Airdrieonians. No senior first-team players under Unai Emery are leaving on free transfers.

Aston Villa are linked with several potential transfers as the club prepares for its Champions League campaign. Reports in Spain claim a deal to sign Almeria midfielder Dion Lopy is close, with the club expecting to sell after missing promotion. In Italy, Lloyd Kelly is reportedly a key target, with Juventus valuing the defender at €35 million. Turkish side Trabzonspor are monitoring Villa winger Alysson Edward, whose limited impact last season was due to injury. Former Villa loanee Clement Lenglet is set to move from Atletico Madrid to Benfica after all parties reached an agreement.

Emiliano Martinez chose to avoid surgery on a finger injury to remain available for Argentina’s World Cup campaign after missing recent club and international matches. Supported by coach Lionel Scaloni, he trained individually with goalkeeping coach Martin Tocalli and has played every group match. His performances come amid renewed speculation about a potential move away from Aston Villa, with ongoing links to Juventus and previous interest from Manchester United.