3 players who should follow Luis Vazquez to Birmingham City | OneFootball

These additions would elevate the Blues ahead of the new season.

It has been a relatively quiet transfer window so far for Birmingham City, but things appear to be heating up ahead of the Championship season.

The Blues enjoyed an encouraging return to the second tier last term, finishing in 10th, but it could have been so much better, and Chris Davies will be well aware of the loftier expectations this time round.

Jhon Solis, Dael Fry and James Beadle have already arrived at St Andrew's @ Knighthead Park and now Anderlecht forward Luis Vazquez is set to follow after the two clubs agreed a permanent transfer.

However, with plenty more work to do ahead of the new campaign, who should follow Vazquez to the West Midlands? Here, FLW analyses which players should join the Argentine at Birmingham.

Dennis Cirkin

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With Lee Buchanan still on the sidelines recovering from his long-term ACL injury, the left side of Davies' backline looks incredibly short and in need of reinforcements.

Alex Cochrane is currently the only fit natural option at left-back, but he only made 21 appearances last term as he missed a sizeable chunk of the season with an ankle injury.

One cost-effective option for Birmingham comes in the form of free agent Dennis Cirkin, who left Sunderland when his contract expired at the end of June.

Cirkin played a significant role in Regis Le Bris' play-off-winning side, making five goal contributions in 36 appearances as he showcased his ability to get up and down the left wing.

While he had to wait for his Premier League opportunity, he demonstrated his ability in the top flight, with his performance in Sunderland's goalless draw with Manchester City particularly impressive.

Joe Gelhardt

A play-off finish should be the bare minimum for Birmingham City next term, and if they are going to achieve that feat, then they will need players who will fight for the cause.

Step up Joe Gelhardt, who has proven himself to be one of the most dependable and versatile forwards in the Championship during spells with Sunderland and Hull City.

The 24-year-old spent last season on loan with the Tigers and notched 15 goals and five assists, the best returns of his career, as the club defied the odds and reached the Premier League.

Gelhardt has returned to Leeds United this summer, but is highly unlikely to get an opportunity, and with a year remaining on his contract, now would be the ideal time for the Peacocks to sell.

The Blues may now have several strong options up top, but the 24-year-old can play across the forward line and would be a valuable asset to Davies if he didn't end up back at Hull.

Joel Piroe

While Birmingham may not pursue another striker following the Vazquez news, the club should do all they can to sign Joel Piroe if it is a possibility.

The 26-year-old has fallen down the pecking order at Elland Road with Dominic Calvert-Lewin Daniel Farke's preferred number nine, but his Championship record speaks for itself.

Piroe claimed the Golden Boot for scoring 19 goals for the Peacocks during the 2024/25 Championship-winning campaign - the third time he has reached that tally in the second tier.

During spells with Leeds and Swansea City, the Suriname international has amassed 73 goals in 179 Championship appearances and would become Davies' best option if he were to move.

While Leeds paid a significant fee for Piroe, he only has one year remaining on his current deal, so he could be available for a reduced fee this summer.