Revealed: Birmingham's revolutionary transfer plan that targets Champions League players and differs from world's top clubs as Blues chase Premier League return

According to The Daily Mail, at the heart of this revolution is Joe Carnall, the Blues’ head of recruitment. Promoted from his role as chief scout last season, Carnall is a self-confessed data obsessive who leans heavily on coding and analytics to shape the club’s transfer vision. His model isn’t about gambling on wonderkids who might come good. Instead, Birmingham will only sanction deals for players with years of competitive experience behind them, no matter how much potential a younger prospect may appear to have.

The shift in recruitment first took shape last season, when Birmingham’s transfer moves powered them to instant promotion back to the Championship. In an era where rivals stockpile teenagers with high resale value, Birmingham are swimming against the tide. The average age of their 14 new recruits this season, including loans, is 26.1. The philosophy is simple: pick players who can handle the pressure of a gruelling nine-month campaign, rather than prospects who might wilt under the spotlight. While rivals squabble over potential gems, Birmingham are quietly stockpiling seasoned campaigners they believe can fire them back into the top flight after 15 painful years away.

The Blues have held talks with Benfica’s Leandro Barreiro, a midfielder with 13 Champions League appearances, and Anderlecht’s Mario Stroeykens, widely touted as one of Europe’s brightest midfield talents. While both players ultimately decided against dropping down to the Championship, the very fact that Birmingham got in the room with them is seen internally as proof that the project is gathering momentum.

One name that raised even more eyebrows was Emi Buendia. Not since Scott Hogan’s switch in 2020 has a player dared cross the Second City divide from Villa Park to St Andrew’s. Villa were never likely to sanction a cut-price deal, and Buendia opted to stay put. But with less than two years left on his contract, the Blues may test the waters again.

Chairman Tom Wagner and celebrity investor Brady have been painted as simply bankrolling a spending spree. However, insiders are quick to stress otherwise. Every deal has to pass Carnall’s stringent data filters before Wagner even gets involved. This isn’t about throwing cash around; it’s about targeted, strategic investments designed to fast-track Birmingham back among English football’s elite.

On the pitch, Chris Davies has been charged with moulding the squad into a promotion machine. Seven points from the first four Championship matches show promise, but the grind of a long season lies ahead. With durable, battle-hardened recruits now filling the dressing room, Davies has the tools to launch a serious assault on the top two. Next up is a tricky away clash with Stoke City, where the Blues will look to build on their steady start.