Jay Stansfield will wince if Birmingham City sign ex-Real Madrid man | OneFootball

Cesar Gelabert has become the latest player linked with a move to Blues

Birmingham City's 2026/27 season has got off to a mixed start in the EFL Cup and Championship, whilst Chris Davies plots a route towards further reinforcements in the latter days of the summer transfer window.

After finishing 10th last season, Davies will be hoping his side can build on what was an intriguing campaign due to the pressures which came through heavy investment from Knighthead, especially with the second tier play-offs being expanded from four to six teams.

The cash hasn't exactly been splashed this summer window with only six additions made, with the latest of those being Max Bird's switch from divisional rivals, Bristol City.

It was abundantly clear in the goalless draw with Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on Saturday evening that Birmingham had made improvements in terms of a defensive display, yet whilst creating clearer-cut in comparison to the Blades, a spark was clearly missing despite the likes of Jay Stansfield, Carlos Vicente and August Priske all featuring.

That spark could now be added in a potential move for ex-Real Madrid academy ace, Cesar Gelabert, although it is fair to say that not all the pre-existing squad at St. Andrew's @ Knighthead Park may welcome such a move.

Birmingham City face strong competition in Cesar Gelabert transfer race

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It has been reported by MARCA that several clubs, including Birmingham, are in the race to sign the 25-year-old creative midfielder from La Liga 2 side, Sporting Gijon.

The Spanish outfit finished 10th in the country's second tier last term, and it is fair to say that their position could have been worse if it wasn't for Gelabert's quality in the final third.

In 41 matches, the former youth international produced eight goals and four assists, building on a record of six goals and two assists the previous term whilst on loan from FC Toulouse.

MLS sides, Columbus Crew and Minnesota United, have been credited with interest, whilst it remains to be seen what valuation Gijon have on their prized asset given the fact he is under contract for a further two seasons.

Cesar Gelabert's attributes could be of strong use to Birmingham City

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As well as producing several high-quality moments on the ball, Gelabert's strongest attributes are ones which many would feel make him immediately suited to the Championship, which could make him a useful addition to Birmingham's ranks.

It is said that his work-rate and stamina are particularly impressive, as well as his physicality and link-up play, which would compliment the likes of Priske well, in particular, with the Dane also full of confidence at the minute given his pre-season and EFL Cup strikes as a well-rounded centre-forward.

There have been a handful of problem areas for Davies throughout his spell in B9, and it is fair to say that the 'number 10' position has been one of them, but if Gelabert was recruited, it could immediately end an experimental period with Paik Seung-ho being utilised in an advanced role, although question marks over where this leaves Stansfield could come to the fore.

Jay Stansfield may wince if Birmingham City intensify Cesar Gelabert interest

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Stansfield's senior career so far has been put firmly under the spotlight, especially after Blues parted with a club and divisional-record fee following their relegation to League One to reunite with the England youth international.

The 23-year-old has become the 'poster' figure of Knighthead's rebuild after signing a seven-year contract, and whilst almost equalling his goal tally from the club's relegation season of 2023/24, last season was one of mixed fortunes.

Whilst netting 11 goals in all competitions, only two of those came in 2026, which led to some concerns from sections of the fanbase, although his position hasn't always been a settled one.

Indeed, he has featured as a 'number 10' at times, and with the likes of Marvin Ducksch also taking up that position at times, Stansfield has been moved to a left-wing position, where he has struggled, in particular, to impact games.

As such, if Birmingham were to recruit a natural left-sided winger after Ibrahim Osman's loan ended in May, whilst also moving for Gelabert, there is a possibility that Stansfield could end up as a substitute.

Cesar Gelabert addition would leave Kanya Fujimoto's future incredibly uncertain

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However, whilst a move for the Spaniard could have short-term implications on Stansfield's minutes, it would certainly increase the uncertainty over Kanya Fujimoto's long-term future.

The Japanese midfielder was signed on a free transfer after leaving Gil Vicente last summer, but still remains an enigma to many Birmingham fans, having played just 45 minutes of Championship football throughout the entirety of last season.

Even after claiming the 27-year-old would receive more minutes, Davies never opted to utilise Fujimoto, even though he has featured in pre-season.

He was an unused substitute against the Blades on the weekend too, and this latest transfer saga, which comes after Blues missed out on Joe Gelhardt's services, would only push him further down the pecking order, and towards a potential exit after such a confusing transfer move, all things considered.