Birmingham City transfers: The state of play as the summer window officially opens

The bell to signal the opening of trading for this summer’s transfer window has officially been rung. From today until 11pm on Thursday, September 1 all Premier League and EFL clubs are able to buy, sell, borrow and lend players as they see fit.

Some have made early moves, Newcastle have loaned Isaac Hayden to recently relegated Norwich City, while Cardiff City have been beavering away putting multiple deals together.

While the Bluebirds have made headlines with reported attempts to sign Wales hero Gareth Bale, they have already secured the services of Callum O'Dowda, Jamilu Collins,Ebou Adams and Jak Alnwick.

As for Blues, there has been no official word on new signings, with fans having to be content with the new contracts offered to first year professionals and the retention of rookies Tate Campbell and Adan George. Indeed there is a fear that while the club’s takeover remains up in the air, no progress will be made in terms of recruitment. Here’s the current state of play.

The refrain emanating from St Andrew’s for the last few months is that the club remains encumbered by the contracts handed to players by the previous regime. Several of those deals, agreed before the pandemic, are still on the books.

When the senior management team held a meeting inviting supporters and press to a meeting in January, they were quick to mention Financial Fair Play and the need to bring wages under control, to reduce losses to meet the FFP threshold. Craig Gardner said it, chief financial office Mark Smith said it and even a few weeks ago, when Lee Bowyer spoke to talkSPORT, he said it: “From what I understand there will be no money to spend and we will have to cut back again,” the head coach claimed.

“If the ownership [change]