Birmingham City told to avoid "nightmare scenario" in the transfer window - Chris Davies' side might struggle if not | OneFootball

Birmingham City are urged to sign a direct and pacey winger this summer to avoid a nightmare scenario.

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...

Following a record-breaking League One campaign, Birmingham City are preparing for life back in the Championship with real ambition.

FLW's Blues Fan Pundit Jason was asked if there is a 'nightmare scenario' for the club across the summer window, and he insists that a glaring weakness in the squad must be addressed.

Birmingham City need wide options urgently

Despite winning the League One title with an astonishing 111 points, Jason believes the lack of direct, explosive wingers was a key issue that must now be solved ahead of the Championship return.

"The squad is quite stacked overall, but the nightmare scenario would be if we didn't go and sign a pacey, tricky winger," Jason told FLW. "That's what we were crying out for at times last season.

"We need someone who can get us up the pitch quickly," he explained. "We like to pass the ball around, but sometimes you need that injection of pace to break through. A winger that can beat a man is vital."

While teams often sat deep against Birmingham in League One, Jason recognises that Championship opposition will be more adventurous, but that only makes the wide threat even more essential.

"Clubs might not play a low block every week like they did in League One, but you still want that option. We don't really have anyone who can take a man on and make something happen out wide."

Blues had been heavily linked with Peterborough United's Kwame Poku; however, talks regarding the move have cooled.

Striker and midfield depth also a priority

Beyond the flanks, Jason sees two other key areas for improvement.

"We need another midfielder and another striker to help Jay Stansfield. I don't think Alfie May or Lyndon Dykes are up to it at this level."

Stansfield netted 12 times as Birmingham got relegated just over 12 months ago, and will be one of the more trusted figures as the club settles back into the second tier.

In recent weeks, the Blues have been linked with swoops for both Oli McBurnie and Tommy Doyle in particular, suggesting that these areas of the pitch are on the list for the club this summer.

Chris Davies and the club's transfer vision

Manager Chris Davies has also stated the importance of signings this summer, outlining the aim to emerge from the window with a significantly stronger squad.

Speaking via Birmingham City's X account, he said: "It's all about can you come out of the window stronger than you went into it. When that first whistle blows, it's about having a squad that can be successful in the Championship.

According to BirminghamLive, up to eight signings are expected this summer, with wide areas and striker options top of the list. A left-sided defender and a goalkeeper could also arrive.

Expectations are high for the Blues ahead of their return to the second tier. However, Jason's message is clear: for the club to thrive, they must fill attacking gaps.

"If we don't get that winger in, I genuinely think we'll struggle to break teams down next season. That's the nightmare."