Birmingham City are at a loss right now, and Wayne Rooney wants change to happen.
It’s been a poor start for Rooney at Birmingham City. But after a goalless draw vs Rotherham United, it seems like the Blues boss has really hit an impasse.
He didn’t hold back in his review of the game and he’s since revealed that he wants to see some changes in the January transfer window, with comings as well as goings being eyed.
Birmingham City have a fairly large first-team squad with a few names potentially facing the axe in the New Year, and here we look at three who could be moved on…
Neil Etheridge
The goalkeeping department at Birmingham City is in need of a bit of a shake-up.
John Ruddy had a good season last time round but has come under scrutiny this time round, with Neil Etheridge not seen as much of a back-up either.
The Filipino goalkeeper has played just four Championship games for Blues since the start of last season and is widely reported to be one of the higher-earners at the club, so he could be one who is moved on in January, with Rooney perhaps looking for a new no.1 which could leave Ruddy as Etheridge’s replacement.
Ivan Sunjic
Birmingham City forked out more than £6million to sign Ivan Sunjic from Dinamo Zagreb. And whilst he’s shown glimpses of a very talented player, on the whole he’s perhaps fulfilled his potential with Blues, now failing to get off the bench under Rooney.
Sunjic is out of contract next summer and given how much Birmingham City paid for him, the club will surely be keen to make some money back, and with the Croat not too favoured by Rooney, a January sale could make sense and clear some space on the wage bill too.
Scott Hogan
Hogan has been a good servant and a good goal-scorer for Birmingham City over the past few years.
But he fell out of favour under John Eustace last time round and he hasn’t been the same since, with just one goal in 15 Championship appearances so far this season.
The 31-year-old hasn’t kicked on under Rooney either having started just once under the new boss.
Blues could be in the market for a new striker in January with Rooney and co looking to implement a more attacking brand of football, which could mean Hogan is forced towards the exit door.