It looks set to be a testing second half of the season for John Eustace and his Birmingham City team, as the Blues face a daunting challenge to stay in the second tier. Odds at Sizzling Hot currently don’t expect the Blues to suffer relegation this term, but they are just seven points clear of the bottom three in the Championship.

Such is the open nature of the division, some ambitious fans of the club may still have dreams of finishing in a playoff position, but that looks unlikely given that they are eleven points off the top six. This summer looks set to be another transitional period for the Blues, and keeping hold of some of their top stars will be their biggest challenge. But, who are the players that Birmingham should be doing everything that they can to keep hold of. 

Tahith Chong

It would be hard to argue against the fact that Tahith Chong has been the standout star for the Blues so far this season. The 23-year-old impressed throughout last season at St Andrews while on loan from Manchester United, and he was able to secure a permanent move to the Midlands in the summer of 2022.

Chong is so often the club’s main outlet on the pitch, and he is the one player that is capable of making something happen out of nothing. Chong has already scored three goals this term, and there will likely be interest from other teams in the Championship over the summer.

Scott Hogan

Scott Hogan has been with the Blues for three years now, and the Irish international is often a player that is capable of putting the ball in the back of the net. The 30-year-old is proven in the second tier, and his continued goal scoring run for the Blues throughout this season may mean that other clubs may be looking to make a move.

Hogan has already matched his best scoring campaign for the Blues this term, as he has netted ten in 27 games in all competitions. His goals will be key to the team’s chances of staying in the division between now and the end of the season, and the Blues may have a fight on their hands to keep hold of him.

Hannibal Mejbri

Hannibal Mejbri is one of a number of players that the Blues signed on loan deals in the summer. However, keeping hold of the central midfielder could be key to Birmingham’s chances of kicking on next season. The 20-year-old was one of the few players from the Championship that competed at the World Cup, and he continues to be highly regarded by Manchester United.

Mejbri has scored once in 26 appearances for the Blues this term, while he has also registered five assists. Just like with Chong, the Blues will be keen to add the midfielder to their list of players on a second season-long loan. However, it remains to be seen whether United will be willing to allow the talented Tunisian to leave on loan once again next season.