Birmingham City ‘Hold Talks’ to Sign £2M Scottish Premiership Gem – But Rangers Muddy the Waters
Birmingham, June 26, 2025 — Championship high-flyers Birmingham City are reportedly in advanced talks to sign a top-performing Scottish Premiership player, valued at around £2 million, only for interest from Rangers to complicate negotiations.
Blues in Formal Talks
The standout subject of interest is Ben Davies, the 29-year-old centre-back who starred on loan at Birmingham last season after emerging from Rangers’ academy. He made 44 appearances, logging over 3,663 minutes and contributing to a solid defensive unit that supported the club’s return to the Championship. Birmingham have already expressed their desire to make his move permanent and have held at least preliminary talks over a fee in the vicinity of £2 million.
Rangers Hold Decision Until Pre-Season
However, Rangers have reportedly ‘muddied the waters’ by choosing to assess Davies during their upcoming pre-season camp under new boss Russell Martin before sanctioning any permanent exit. Birmingham’s manager, Chris Davies, wants clarity soon, but understands that Rangers’ intention to evaluate the player aligns with their summer rebuild strategy.
Contract & Value
Ben Davies is under contract with Rangers until June 2026, giving Birmingham some leverage if Rangers decide a sale is appropriate. Football valuation sites currently place Davies’s market value at around £2 million. A permanent switch would require both clubs to agree on an exact compensation package.
Tactical Fit
At centre-back, Davies was a key figure at St Andrew’s, helping Birmingham forge a rock-solid defence alongside Christoph Klarer. His versatility and consistency have made him a top priority for Chris Davies, who already has fellow addition Phil Neumann lined up from Hannover.
Alternatives and Strategy
Aware of Rangers’ hesitance, Birmingham have drafted a backup shortlist that includes Kieran Dowell—another loanee currently at Ibrox—and two Japanese talents: Kanya Fujimoto (Gil Vicente) and Kyogo Furuhashi (Rennes). But it remains clear that Birmingham’s priority remains Davies, adroit and central to a promotion push.
What Lies Ahead
- Birmingham is expected to revisit the deal once Rangers conclude their squad assessments during training.
- If Rangers decide Davies is surplus to requirements, the Blues aim to finalise a permanent move before the transfer window closes.
- If not, the club is ready to pivot quickly towards their backup targets and ensure defensive strength for the Championship.
Bottom Line
Ben Davies remains Birmingham City’s top defensive recruitment target this summer, valued at around £2 million and highly rated by manager Chris Davies. While Rangers have the opportunity to keep or sell after pre-season review, the Blues are positioning themselves to strike decisively—though alternatives are on standby should negotiations stall. With Championship matters awaiting, time is of the essence.
