Midfielder Marc Leonard looks destined to leave Championship side Birmingham City this month, but he’s distanced himself from a return to League One.
The 24-year-old has fallen out of favour under Chris Davies this season and appears to be heading towards the exit doors at St. Andrews after making just 15 league appearances during the current campaign.
Similarly, Birmingham are closing in on the permanent signing of Colombian midfielder Jhon Solis from Spanish side Girona, which would push the Scotsman even further down the pecking order.
Birmingham man rules out third-tier return
With limited game time and a new signing on the way, the chance of Marc Leonard making his way into the mix at Birmingham City seems increasingly unlikely as the January transfer window progresses.
His situation at the Championship side has alerted plenty of clubs to try and swoop in and sign the 24-year-old this month, but it remains to be seen whether that’s a loan or permanent deal.
The list of potential suitors includes Sheffield United, Norwich City and Belgian side Sint-Truiden VV, as well as a host of currently unnamed League One sides according to Birmingham Live.
However, according to the same report, Leonard isn’t keen on a return to League One this month, potentially having a bigger challenge in his sights.
Leonard is under contract at Birmingham until June 2028, meaning the Championship side are likely to be open to a loan move as well as a permanent swoop. A loan move would keep him at the club but would free up a squad slot and save on wages.
Is Leonard ‘too good’ for League One?
No reasoning has been given for Leonard’s immediate League One dismissal, which leads to possible speculation but is it just a case that he’s ‘better’ than the division itself?
The 24-year-old spent two seasons with Northampton Town on loan, with one of those being in the third tier. There he contributed to 11 goals in 46 league matches, starring as one of their main players.
This form led Birmingham City to sign him last summer, where he provided five assists across all competitions as the club completed a record-breaking return to the Championship.
Across his two seasons, he won a title medal, made over 80 appearances and averaged just shy of a goal contribution every four matches. Therefore, he could see a return to the division as uninspiring given he’s already tasted the title once before and thus may be seeking a fresh challenge.