Birmingham City backed to '100%' sign 'good character' from Sunderland | OneFootball

Luke O'Nien is reportedly of interest to the three Midlands sides

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Birmingham City have been backed to secure the services of current Sunderland outcast, Luke O'Nien, amid reported competition from Championship and local rivals in the form of Coventry City and West Bromwich Albion.

Many are in agreement that the current winter window is a critical period for Blues and manager Chris Davies, who is said to be under no pressure from American ownership group, Knighthead Capital Management, amid prior sack talk.

It has already been a hectic start to 2026 for the Second City outfit, as they have played out two extremely contrasting performances and results against Watford and Coventry, whilst also securing the services of former Philadelphia Union and two-time Major League Soccer 'Best XI' figure, Kai Wagner, on a two-and-a-half year contract.

The aforementioned signing, which was Blues' first of the window, as well as one of the earliest conducted by a Championship club at present, has already plugged a well-documented hole in Davies' left-back department, with Football League World previously revealing the club's transfer plans on that particular front.

It was then claimed by Football Insider that, as well as recruiting further depth and quality at full-back, Blues will also be looking to add further bodies to their midfield and attacking departments.

Last month, reports emerged that O'Nien could be allowed to exit the Black Cats on a loan basis, having featured just twice in the Premier League since the North East side emerged victorious against Sheffield United in the play-off final last May - a game in which he was forced off in due to a dislocated shoulder.

Yet, whilst it has been claimed that Birmingham's most recent opponents and the second tier leaders, as well as West Brom, are hoping to be successful in their own pursuits, Football League World's Blues fan pundit, Jason Moore, backs Davies and his recruitment team to strike a beneficial deal for all involved.

Birmingham City backed to strike Sunderland, Luke O'Nien agreement ahead of Coventry City and West Brom

At 31 years of age, O'Nien has become a household name across multiple levels of the EFL within the past decade or so, but is best known for his body of work at the Stadium of Light, which began way back in the summer of 2018 after he signed from Wycombe Wanderers after Sunderland endured back-to-back relegations into League One.

Previously a central midfielder by trade, the Hemel Hempstead-born man has since honed his craft and become a useful utility figure for several managers on Wearside, including current boss, Regis Le Bris.

After predominantly featuring as a centre-back during the club's return to the top flight last term, the aforementioned shoulder issue would keep O'Nien out of action in the early weeks of the season. However, he has since struggled to reattain his regular minutes, largely down to the remarkable form shown by several colleagues.

As such, his three minutes of Premier League football have come in outings against Liverpool and Manchester City, with the versatile man receiving a red card in the latter after a late tackle on Matheus Nunes.

Chronicle Live initially claimed that Blues, Albion and the Sky Blues have been placed on red alert, although a follow-up report from Birmingham Live stated that O'Nien is not actively on the club's radar.

Regardless, Moore believed a move for the Sunderland stalwart would represent a sensible addition for the men from St. Andrew's @ Knighthead Park,

"I'd personally take him," Moore told FLW.

"I know he's the 'wrong side of 30' and he's 31. But, I think, if you can get him on an 18-month contract, 100%, bring him in.

"Eiran Cashin looks like he may be going to Blackburn. So, yes, I'd definitely take him," he explained.

"I don't think you need to give him a lengthy contract, and I think, what we missed in the summer was Championship experience recruitment.

"I'd bring him in. He doesn't need a big contract, but he's a good character, and he gives it his all.

"What helps O'Nien is the fact he can play anywhere across the back four.

"He'd be a great option. I don't care if he's 31, bring him in," Moore reiterated.

Luke O'Nien, Sunderland deal would plug many Birmingham City gaps

There are many facets to this deal which make it somewhat of a 'no-brainer' for Davies and his recruitment staff to press forward with.

Above all, O'Nien has showcased that he can handle the pressure and expectations of featuring for a side expected to challenge for the play-offs, which Birmingham currently are, despite their league position and overall recent form suggesting otherwise.

As Moore alluded to, it has been claimed that Cashin is wanted on loan by Blackburn after a spell of inconsistent involvement in B9, although the Ireland international has featured more prominently over the hectic Christmas period.

An initial loan swoop would be a smart move, it must be said, despite the aforementioned and conflicting. However, with O'Nien only having one year left on his contract on Wearside in June, a cut-price deal that benefits all parties may be in the offing for Blues or one of their rivals to take advantage of.