Birmingham City to the Premier League? Knighthead may face this Jay Stansfield transfer dilemma | OneFootball

Blues' record signing has been rather inconsistent of late, leading to question marks

Despite being heavily fancied for a strong play-off push at the start of the season by many outsiders, Birmingham City are starting to see those prospects fade away in the final weeks of the campaign.

After what had been a largely positive start to 2026 in terms of transfer activity and results - which included a seven-game unbeaten run in the league - Blues have seen what was a previously narrow gap between themselves and the play-off places stretch to eight points in less than a week.

Following on from a 2-1 success at Norwich City on February 21st, which was a 'statement' in itself given Birmingham's poor recent record at Carrow Road and the Canaries' resurgence under Philippe Clement, clashes against Millwall and Middlesbrough were two further occasions for Chris Davies' side to prove their worth in what remains a congested battle for the top six.

However, his side were well below what many had come to expect based off prior results and performance levels, with the Lions emerging 3-0 victors at The Den last Wednesday - which included a red card for the previously influential Jhon Solis - before Kim Hellberg's side became just the second team to inflict a league defeat upon Blues at St. Andrew's @ Knighthead Park under Davies' management.

Speaking post-match, the 40-year-old referenced numerous errors that were made throughout the 90 minutes which meant they weren't able to capitalise on a positive start in both halves against the Reds.

As a result, a handful of players have been left criticised by supporters for their performances, and that is now starting to include the club's record signing, Jay Stansfield, who hasn't been able to have the desired impact in recent weeks and months.

Jay Stansfield hasn't been his previously influential self for Birmingham City in recent weeks and months

After scoring 12 times in 43 Championship outings in Blues' relegated side two seasons ago, it is fair to say that plenty of eyes have been cast on the England Under-21 international's performances this term.

In fairness, having the spotlight on himself is something which Stansfield has become accustomed to, largely down to the club-record fee which Blues parted with to secure his services on a seven-year contract in August 2024, before his 24 goals in all competitions last season helped the West Midlands side to a record-breaking campaign on the pitch in League One.

The striker started the current campaign well with goals in the opening matches of the campaign against Ipswich Town and Blackburn Rovers, but has since scored just seven Championship goals, whilst just one of those has come since a brace against Norwich in a 4-1 victory in B9 on November 22nd.

Despite previously backing their prized asset to the hill when he would become a subject of ridicule from rival supporters - again, mostly down to the aforementioned price tag - Bluenoses are now becoming increasingly frustrated with Stansfield for his recent performances, having become less effective.

It hasn't always helped that the 23-year-old has featured in an array of positions, with some questioning whether Davies knows what Stansfield's 'best position' on the field is, having utilised him as a left-winger, in the 'number 10' role or as the main focal point.

To his credit, the forward provided a moment of light in what was a largely frustrating night for Blues against Middlesbrough, as his run down the right channel and cutback enabled Marvin Ducksch to smartly slot home his 10th of the season in all competitions.

Chris Davies has continued to back Jay Stansfield despite criticism

Whilst Stansfield still has five years left to run on his aforementioned contract, the striker isn't without competition in terms of a starting berth at present, with Ducksch certainly in a richer vein of current form, whilst the club invested in August Priske's services in January from Djurgardens IF.

Previously, many had backed the striker to make a seamless step-up into the Premier League, whilst it appeared as though the chance to do so would come with Blues given their ambitions, which have been added to with the recent unveiling of the 62,000-seater Powerhouse stadium.

Stansfield has been the 'poster boy' of Knighthead's rebuild in this part of the Second City, and this current spell is also not the first when he has come under-fire, whilst Davies continues to believe in the forward long-term.

“That’s life for a striker – you get questioned and scrutinised around everything," said Davies.

“I never have any worries because Jay is one of those players, no matter how long he’s on for, where it is, what time it is, there will be 110 percent effort from Jay."'

In truth, it could be somewhat of a blessing that Birmingham may not reach the Premier League by the start of next season, as it allows the likes of Stansfield to keep working on their game in a bid to eventually be in a better position to silence the sceptics.