“Definitely worth cashing in on” – Birmingham City told to sell 23-year-old

In the summer transfer window, Birmingham City ought to consider offloading left-back Emmanuel Longelo.

That’s the opinion of Birmingham City supporter Mike Gibbs of Football League World, who thinks that the Blues should only think about holding onto the 23-year-old if they do not make the playoffs this year.

Longelo lower on the St. Andrew’s hierarchy

Longelo originally arrived in Birmingham in the summer of 2022, having come on loan from West Ham, a Premier League team.

Subsequently, in January 2023, the transfer became a permanent one, as the Blues paid an unknown sum, estimated to be approximately £400,000, to acquire the services of back.

During his first season at St Andrew’s, Longelo made 25 appearances in all competitions, making him something of a bit-part player for the Midlands club last season.

This season, Longelo has finding it even more difficult to find opportunities after the signing of Lee Buchanan, another left-back, last summer.

Thirteen of the twenty appearances the former West Ham player has made this season have come as starters.

Consequently, it seems that some Birmingham supporters may now think that, should the market open up again, breaking off ties with Longelo would be preferable.

Commentator from Birmingham on Longelo’s future

There seems to be some discernment on whether the left-back is the best player for the team, even though he hasn’t quite established himself as a consistent starter at St Andrew’s.

In fact, Gibbs believes that the Blues would be better served by trying to raise some cash during the summer by selling Longelo.

“I think for me Manny Longelo, definitely worth cashing in on if we can, albeit I don’t think we would get a huge amount of money for him,” the Birmingham City fan said to Football League World when asked if they should look to sell the 23-year-old in the summer following Buchanan’s emergence at left-back.

“To be honest, I don’t think we paid a lot of money for him either. He’s in a bit of a middle ground—in my opinion—because he’s not strong enough to play left defense and is probably not skilled enough to play forward.

“I believe the only thing that might alter is whether or not he would be a genuinely helpful asset in League One if we were to be relegated.

“I believe a great deal of guys would go, and if he stayed, I believe he would still be in or near the first team. He might play left wing, as I mentioned earlier, but I would definitely see him playing farther forward. It all depends on the league position.

“But if it were up to me, I would sell him and attempt to get some money back.”

As of right now, Longelo’s deal with the Blues is still valid for two years. His future at St Andrew’s is thus assured through the conclusion of the 2025–2026 season if he is not sold.

With two games remaining, Birmingham is now one point from safety in the relegation race, sitting in 22nd place in the standings.

The first of those final games is a massive Saturday afternoon match at The John Smith’s Stadium against fellow struggling team Huddersfield Town.

For everyone concerned, it might be best to part ways.

If Birmingham were to sell Longelo during the summer transfer window, it might be in the best interests of the player and the team.

Tom Wagner, the chairman, shown last summer that he is prepared to support the St Andrew’s leadership with financial support and open recruitment.

Players will need to be let go in order to make room in the squad and the wage budget if the club choose to repeat that this season, which they may believe is necessary given their current situation.

In light of his lack of possibilities since joining Birmingham, Longelo might be a prime target for release to make place for those possible new hires.

At his age, he will undoubtedly want to be playing football on a regular basis with the first team, so he might believe that this is the best move for his career as well.

In light of this, it might not come as a major shock if Longelo leaves Birmingham City at the beginning of the following campaign.

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