Birmingham City are weighing up a sensational emotional return for former goal hero Che Adams this month, as Chris Davies looks to add firepower to a stuttering Championship campaign.
The Scotland international, currently at Serie A side Torino, has emerged as a genuine target for the Blues hierarchy, who are not against a “sentimental signing” to boost their promotion push. Adams, 29, sold to Southampton in 2019, remains a beloved figure at St. Andrew’s after netting 38 goals in 123 appearances.
This comes as the club prepares for a significant January overhaul, with as many as eight players potentially departing. Attack could be a focus, especially with Lyndon Dykes attracting interest from Charlton Athletic and big money signing Kyogo Furuhashi failing to net a single league goal since his summer arrival from Rennes.
A move for Adams was explored last summer, but the financial package proved out of reach at the time, leading the club to pivot to Marvin Ducksch instead. However, the landscape may have shifted, and the club’s need for a proven, physical presence up top is clear.
Blues’ American owners, Knighthead Capital, have shown they’re willing to back Davies aggressively, breaking the club’s transfer record for Jay Stansfield last summer. But their return to the Championship has been rocky; despite a flurry of 14 signings, the side sits 14th, seven points adrift of the play offs.
Adams, with his blend of Championship know how and lingering affection for the club, represents a calculated gamble. He knows the league, knows the club, and could provide the focal point that’s sometimes been missing. His Torino stint hasn’t set the world alight, making a move back to England plausible.
For Davies, it’s about finding the right profile. He has options in Stansfield, Ducksch, Dykes, and Furuhashi, but consistency has been the issue. Adding a motivated Adams into that mix could be the spark needed for a second half surge.
The clock is ticking until February 2nd. Blues have already offloaded Emil Hansson and Eiran Cashin, and more exits are expected. If Dykes departs, the need for a replacement becomes urgent. All signs point to a busy end to the window, and a familiar face could be the headline act.