Birmingham City and Ipswich Town both came into the 2025/26 season with big ambitions, but at the moment BCFC is not delivering on them.
While the Blues sit a disappointing 15th without a win in six, the Tractor Boys are third and now just two points off the top two. The January transfer window offers a great opportunity to strengthen the ranks of both teams.
While signing the first team will be the priority, new youth prospects will be on their radar given the long-term plans. Now, in a report from Football insiderthe Championship duo have been linked with Stevenage star Ryan Doherty.
They report that both Birmingham City and Ipswich Town are eyeing the 17-year-old in January. Doherty is on professional terms at Stevenage and in a breakthrough move into the senior set-up, he is being tracked by several clubs, including Premier League side Bournemouth.
Ryan Doherty one for the future at Birmingham City or Ipswich Town
Doherty is just starting to make a name for himself at League One surprise package Stevenage. He completed his scholarship earlier this semester and signed a senior contract.
The young midfielder actually made three appearances last season, all in the EFL Trophy. Doherty also found a handful of involvement in the League One matchday squad.
It will have been his recent performances in League One that have put him on the radar of Birmingham City and Ipswich Town. After once again playing a regular role in Boro’s EFL Trophty campaign, Doherty made his League One debut in a match against Cardiff City earlier this month.
Doherty then came off the bench in the win over Stockport County and played 45 minutes in the draw with Burton Albion.
Stevenage stats from Ryan Doherty
First-team priorities at Birmingham City and Ipswich Town
Doherty is on the radar as one for the future, but Birmingham City and Ipswich Town will prioritize their first-team targets.
BCFC need to revive their campaign as Chris Davies comes under pressure. They take on Watford on New Year’s Day and are targeting a handful of new signings during the transfer window.
As for Ipswich Town, they will hope to close the gap to the top two with a result against Oxford United. Things will likely be quieter, but a few smart signings could push ITFC over the edge in their quest for a return to Premier League football this season.
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