Birmingham City have confirmed the departure of another player this week, with the exit of Kevin Long.
Although the January transfer window is now closed in England, it is still open to clubs in the MLS.
As a result, Long has now departed St Andrew’s, after a deal was agreed that has seen him join Toronto FC in the American league.
The centre back has signed for an undisclosed fee, bringing an end to a 13-month spell at Birmingham City.
However, Long was seemingly keen to say goodbye to the club via social media, before turning his attention to pastures new.
Kevin Long sends parting message
During his time with Blues, Long did make some important contributions for the club.
The 33-year-old joined from Burnley in January 2023. His contract was initially set to run until the summer of 2023. It was later extended until the end of this season.
However, Long has now moved on shortly before that deal came to an end, after confirming his move to Toronto.
In total, the centre back made 40 appearances in all competitions for Birmingham City. He also scored two goals for the club.
Taking to X to say goodbye to the club after his move was confirmed on Tuesday, Long wrote:
“Been a pleasure @BCFC. Thanks for all the nice messages. Wish you all the best going forward.”
Next up for Birmingham City is a trip to Portman Road on Saturday afternoon to face Ipswich Town.
Kevin Long exit could be a risk for Birmingham City
It does feel as though there may be something of a gamble taken by Blues here.
Obviously, with Long’s contract having been due to expire at the end of this season, a sale such as this was their last chance to cash in on him.
That may have brought in some useful funds, that can be reinvested in Birmingham City.
However, on the pitch, letting Long go does not leave them with a lot of options at centre back.
Tony Mowbray and Mark Venus will now only have Dion Sanderson, Marc Roberts and Emmanuel Aiwu to call upon in the centre of their defence.
As a result, it will only take one or two injuries for Birmingham City to really be struggling for people to step into a role in such a key position.
Long had also been a generally reliable performer for Blues in that role, since his arrival at St Andrew’s.
With that in mind, Birmingham City will have to hope that this decision to let Long go, is not one that comes back to haunt them.