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Birmingham City are back in the Championship.

It’s job done after a dominant League One campaign.

But now, the club is turning its attention to next season.

Recruitment will be key.

One of their standout players from the title-winning season wasn’t even theirs.

A defender who showed calm, class, and leadership.

Someone with top-level experience who helped solidify the backline.

That’s the kind of player you want in your team when moving up a division.

But as it stands, he’s returned to his parent club.

A decision must now be made.

Not just by Blues, but by his current employers.

There are also question marks around management and contracts.

Ben Davies was once a Liverpool player.

He signed during the club’s 2020-21 defensive injury crisis, but never played a game.

Now 29, he’s just helped Birmingham City win promotion from League One during a loan spell from Rangers.

According to Birmingham Live, Blues want to bring him back on a permanent deal.

The report said, “It is understood that Blues would also like to sign loanees Ben Davies and Kieran Dowell on a permanent basis.”

“Both players have a year remaining on their respective contracts at Rangers, and the deals would have to be favourable for Blues to pursue them.”

The issue is, Rangers still own him.

And before anything can happen, the Scottish side must sort out their managerial situation.

Their interim boss – former Birmingham midfielder Barry Ferguson – is still just that: interim.

Once Rangers appoint a permanent manager, Davies’ future will become clearer.

Davies only has one year left on his contract at Ibrox.

This summer is Rangers’ final chance to make money from him.

When asked in March whether he’d like to stay at Birmingham permanently, Davies didn’t dodge the question like many loanees do.

He said, “I’m going to work here till the summer then see what my agent says.

I’m really enjoying it here so if the opportunity arose I’d consider it seriously.”

“But it’s not really my decision at the minute so I’m going to wait and then see what’s happening.”

His defensive partner at Blues, Christoph Klarer, had high praise for him too.

He said, “I’ve spent most of my time with Ben and we’ve complemented each other very well?

You can see Ben has played at a higher level and he will play at a higher level for the rest of his career.”

“It has been a joy to be with Ben on and off the pitch because he’s such a likeable and professional character, so that makes it easier for me to play next to him.”

From Liverpool to Rangers, and now Birmingham, Ben Davies’ career hasn’t been straightforward.

But his time in League One has reminded everyone of his ability.

Now, it’s over to the clubs.

Read more: L’Equipe confirms Liverpool interest in Ligue 1 defender

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