The threat of relegation for Birmingham City has become an all too real possibility in recent weeks, and the drop to League One will spark interest in their best players.
Following their 1-0 loss to local rivals Aston Villa, Birmingham are now just two points above the drop zone with just two games left to play. The defeat stretched their winless run to 10 games and Harry Redknapp has the unenvious task of steering the Blues away from the dreaded drop.
Redknapp was appointed as the new Birmingham boss after Gianfranco Zola resigned from his post after winning just two of his 24 games in charge at St. Andrews. It is unclear whether Redknapp will be in charge next season if Birmingham are relegated.
We take a look at three players who will be likely to leave St. Andrews if League One football is confirmed for the Blues next season.
Maikel Kieftenbeld
The defensive midfielder was snapped up by then boss Gary Rowett last summer after triggering a criminally low release clause in his FC Groningen contract, thought worth to be just 250,000 euros (Sky Sports).
The Dutchman has been an ever present in the Birmingham side since his move from Holland and the 26-year-old is highly thought of at St. Andrews. Despite their disastrous season, Kieftenbeld’s performances have been consistent and has been one of the few Birmingham players who can have his head held high.
Kieftenbeld can also play at right-back. His versatility and vast Championship experience under his belt will make him an attractive proposition for any side in England’s second tier hoping to secure a bargain buy.
Che Adams
Adams is one of the few success stories for players who have worked their way into the English Football League after starting their career in non-league football.
After Sheffield United snapped him up the highly-rated forward from Ilkeston, the 20-year-old impressed in League One over the course of a year and a half, so much so he did enough to convince the Blues to splash out £2 million on him (Sheffield Star).
The forward has scored just six goals for Birmingham this season but he is still young and has shown enough in his performances to suggest that he is able to cut it at this level. He has a keen eye for goal and an abundance of pace, Adams can potentially be a star in the Championship and a number of teams would be willing to take the gamble on him.
Che Adams has scored six goals for Birmingham this season
Lukas Jutkiewicz
The centre forward has enjoyed his best season of his career after making the move to St. Andrews. After joining initially on loan from Burnley, the 28-year-old made his move Birmingham a permanent one in January.
He has scored 12 goals so far this season, the first time he has reached double figures since his 2012/13 campaign with Middlesbrough.
Despite his uninspiring career goals record, 69 goals in 326 games, his presence in the air and physical strength makes him a player who is comfortable with in a lone striker role and that will be an attractive proposition for many Championship sides.
He only signed a three-and-a-half year deal in January but he will not be keen on making the drop to League One after impressing in the Championship this term.
Lukas Jutkiewicz is Birmingham’s leading goal-scorer with 12 goals this season
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