‎Birmingham City may regret this 2024 exit as ex-star surpasses Stansfield

Birmingham City took a significant gamble in the summer of 2024 when they sanctioned a deal worth more than £15m to bring Jay Stansfield to St Andrew’s following their relegation from the Championship.

There was always a risk attached. Had Stansfield struggled to adapt as a permanent signing and the Blues failed to secure an immediate return from League One, the club would have been left carrying the most expensive player the division had ever seen. However, Birmingham clearly trusted the forward to thrive at that level, and their faith was largely rewarded.

Stansfield delivered 19 goals and three assists in 37 appearances during a promotion-winning campaign, numbers that ensured he avoided the label of a failed signing, even if they did not fully justify the hefty fee. His impact has carried into the Championship this season too, with nine goals and ten big chances created in 2025/26 as Birmingham sit just two points outside the play-off places.

Despite that productivity, questions remain about whether Stansfield’s skill set would translate to the Premier League should Birmingham go up. Comparisons can be made with Leeds United striker Joel Piroe, who dominated the Championship in 2024/25 but has struggled badly after stepping up, particularly in physical contests.

The concern is that Stansfield may face the same problem. This season, he has lost a high percentage of both ground and aerial duels in the Championship, suggesting Premier League defenders could overwhelm him, leaving little room for him to compensate with goals and creativity.

While doubts persist over Birmingham’s record signing at the highest level, there is a former Blues player who increasingly looks ready for the Premier League challenge.

That player is Jordan James. Following relegation in 2024, Birmingham sold the highly-rated midfielder to Rennes for just £4m, allowing him to pursue a move to one of Europe’s major leagues. After gaining experience in Ligue 1, James joined Leicester City on loan and has flourished at the King Power Stadium.

The 21-year-old has matched Stansfield’s Championship goal tally this season with nine strikes from midfield, all from open play, while also offering greater physical presence and efficiency in duels. His performances underline the balance he brings between attacking output and defensive contribution.

Given his development, James now appears well-equipped to make the jump to the Premier League, whether that opportunity comes through Rennes, Leicester, or another top-flight suitor.

In hindsight, Birmingham’s decision to sell him looks costly, with the midfielder arguably shaping up to be an even bigger talent than their marquee signing.