Rumoured Birmingham City Target Feels Like a Grant Hanley Replacement – But Deal Could Be Tough to Seal
Birmingham City are reportedly exploring a move for a highly-rated centre-back as they prepare for a new era under their latest management team. The player, whose identity remains under wraps due to ongoing negotiations, is being strongly tipped as a like-for-like replacement for veteran defender Grant Hanley, whose time at St Andrew’s is believed to be drawing to a close.
The Scotland international, now 33, played a key leadership role last season after joining the Blues from Norwich City. However, with mounting injury concerns and talks of retirement or a potential coaching transition, the club is now actively planning for the future — and have set their sights on a younger, mobile defender to anchor the backline.
Hanley’s Heir in the Making?
According to sources close to the club, the unnamed target shares several traits with Hanley: a commanding aerial presence, strong positional awareness, and an ability to organise the defensive line. But unlike Hanley, the potential signing offers more pace and distribution quality, attributes the Blues hierarchy see as essential to modernising the squad’s playing style.
One insider described the interest as “genuine but complicated,” noting the player’s current club is reluctant to sell and is demanding a substantial fee, thought to be in the region of £5–6 million. Birmingham are willing to negotiate but face competition from at least two Championship rivals and one lower-half Premier League side.
The Challenge Ahead
Birmingham’s sporting director Craig Gardner is believed to be leading talks and views the defender as a cornerstone signing who could form the base of the club’s rebuild under new manager Paul Hurst. However, sources suggest the deal is “not straightforward”, given the player’s importance to his current club and the player’s hesitation over dropping into a long-term Championship project unless promotion looks likely in the near future.
Financially, Birmingham may also need to offload a couple of senior players to meet the valuation — something that may delay proceedings or open the door for rival clubs to hijack the move.
Fan Reaction
News of a potential replacement for Hanley has drawn mixed reactions from the fanbase. Some are excited about the club’s proactive approach to reshaping the defence, while others are cautious about investing heavily in a relatively unproven player while the squad still lacks creative depth in midfield.
“We need a Grant Hanley replacement, yes — but only if the price is right,” wrote one supporter on social media. “Too many times we’ve overspent chasing the wrong names.”
Still, many agree that reinforcing the backline is a priority, especially after the Blues conceded far too many late goals last season.
What Comes Next
Whether Birmingham City can convince the player to make the switch — and satisfy his current club’s demands — remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: filling the void left by Grant Hanley will not be easy, and the club’s ambition to return to the Premier League could hinge on making the right call.
This developing story is one to watch as the transfer window heats up.
