Birmingham City transfer news: Sunderland star eyed, winger exit confirmed, Lyndon Dykes to Charlton talk | OneFootball

FLW has rounded up the latest transfer news at St. Andrew's @ Knighthead Park

The beginning of 2026 has certainly been eventful in the world of Birmingham City, who will be looking to make the required changes throughout the remainder of the winter transfer window to bolster their play-off chances.

Blues signalled their intentions for the coming month last Thursday, addressing their problems at left-back with the acquisition of German full-back, Kai Wagner, from Philadelphia Union on a two-and-a-half year contract at St. Andrew's @ Knighthead Park.

The 28-year-old was then a key reason behind a return to winning ways for Chris Davies' side as they edged past league leaders, Coventry City, by three goals to two on Sunday lunchtime.

It was a statement and much-needed victory for the West Midlands outfit, who now have a clear week ahead of their FA Cup clash with Cambridge United on Saturday, allowing Davies and his recruitment staff to potentially eye up further incomings, as well as addressing the immediate future of those who are surrounded by exit talk.

Birmingham's spending power under the ownership of Knighthead Capital Management has certainly generated plenty of headlines, although the majority of such high sums of cash being floated about have come in summer windows instead of January.

Nevertheless, it still remains a crucial period for Blues, and Football League World has rounded up the latest transfer news at St. Andrew's.

Birmingham City in three-way Championship loan battle for Sunderland AFC promotion hero

It has been reported by North East-based outlet, Chronicle Live, that Blues are facing competition from local rivals in the form of West Bromwich Albion and their most recent opponents, Coventry, for the services of Sunderland's previous two-time promotion hero, Luke O'Nien.

A report on Sunday claims that the trio of Championship sides are eyeing up a possible loan swoop for the versatile figure, who has been on the Black Cats' books for seven-and-a-half years, initially joining the Wearside outfit in League One back in the summer of 2018.

Yet, despite being an integral figure in Sunderland's rise back up the English pyramid through two Wembley successes over, ironically, his former club, Wycombe Wanderers, in 2022 and against Sheffield United in the Championship play-off final last May, the 31-year-old has fallen victim to a mass amount of turnover conducted by Regis Le Bris this season.

O'Nien has played just three minutes of Premier League football thus far, and was dismissed against Manchester City last month for a late tackle on Matheus Nunes in the second half of the 3-0 defeat at the Etihad Stadium.

Birmingham City outcast Emil Hansson set for Eredivisie return amid Blackpool FC loan termination

Shortly after Sunday's round of EFL matches, it was reported that Blues outcast, Emil Hansson, had seen his loan stint at League One outfit, Blackpool, terminated after just six months.

The Norwegian had made 24 appearances across all competitions for the Lancashire outfit, although only three of his 17 league outings came in the starting lineup under Steve Bruce or his successor, Ian Evatt.

Evatt confirmed after the Tangerines' 2-1 loss to Bradford City that Hansson's loan had been cut short, and that the 27-year-old was expected to move to the Netherlands.

Blues, of course, recruited the wide player's services from Heracles Almelo for approximately £1.5m last summer. Yet, after just 24 appearances for the B9 club, he returned to the Eredivisie, signing for Excelsior Rotterdam, with confirmation of said deal coming on Monday night.

Having only featured for Blackpool this term, Hansson was in no danger of breaching the rule in which players can only officially feature for two clubs in one season after he was frozen out of Davies' plans at St. Andrew's ahead of the campaign.

Charlton Athletic plot transfer move for Birmingham City's Lyndon Dykes

It was reported on Friday afternoon that Blues' divisional rivals and fellow League One promotion winners of last season, Charlton Athletic, hold an interest in signing striker, Lyndon Dykes.

Dykes has been reduced to several substitute cameos throughout his time at St. Andrew's after joining from Queens Park Rangers in the summer of 2024.

The Daily Record reported the Addicks' interest, as the experienced forward and 48-time Scotland international seeks the regular minutes that will guarantee him a spot in Steve Clarke's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is the Tartan Army's first involvement in the tournament in 28 years.

So far this season, Dykes has made 23 appearances in all competitions and scored twice, although he was omitted entirely from Davies' matchday squad against the Sky Blues on Sunday.

It has also been reported that Eiran Cashin's loan stint at St. Andrew's could be cut short amid interest from Blackburn Rovers.

The Ireland international defender moved to the Second City on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion in the summer, but has mainly been utilised as a squad player thus far.

As such, Alan Nixon claims that Rovers are looking to strike a loan agreement with the Seagulls for their former £9m signing, as well as eyeing a potential permanent deal further down the line.

Despite such reports, Cashin came on as a second-half substitute to help Blues see out what was their first win in eight games against Coventry.