Birmingham City head coach Chris Davies has confirmed the club intends to keep midfielder Kanya Fujimoto until at least the January transfer window. The 27-year-old Japanese player, who joined the Blues in 2025, has featured just once this season but remains part of Davies's plans for squad depth.
Davies's comments were reported by Yahoo Sports UK this week, citing an interview originally published by The72 - Football League News. "I like Kanya, he's a really good team player, he just hasn't obviously made a huge impact in competitive games," Davies said. The head coach's statement clarifies Fujimoto's immediate future as Birmingham prepare for their next Championship fixture away to Derby on September 12.
Where does Fujimoto fit in the squad list?
Kanya Fujimoto provides competition in a crowded Birmingham City midfield. The club's options in the centre of the park include Jhon Solis, Paik Seung-ho, Tomoki Iwata, Taylor Gardner-Hickman, and Max Bird. However, the current injury list on the injuries page shows Marc Leonard and Jhon Solís are sidelined, which may open opportunities.
Fujimoto can operate as a traditional central midfielder or push further up the pitch if required. His versatility offers Davies a different tactical option. The player made eight appearances in all competitions during his first year at St Andrew's following the club's League One title win.
What is Fujimoto's background at Birmingham City?
The club signed Kanya Fujimoto from Portuguese side Gil Vicente in 2025. He arrived with considerable experience, having made 181 appearances and scored 18 goals during his time in Portugal. His current contract with Birmingham City runs until June 2028, meaning he still has two years remaining on his deal.
His sole appearance this campaign came in Birmingham's Carabao Cup defeat to Brentford. With the team focusing on league consistency, minutes have been hard to come by for several squad players. Birmingham's current standings position of 14th, with seven points from five games, reflects a solid if unspectacular start.
How does this decision impact Birmingham's season?
Retaining Fujimoto maintains squad depth during a busy period. Birmingham City are currently unbeaten in the league, with a record of one win and four draws from their opening five matches. They have scored seven goals and conceded six, giving them a +1 goal difference.
The team is just two points behind Millwall in eighth place and four points adrift of league leaders West Ham. Keeping a experienced player like Fujimoto provides insurance against further midfield absences. Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming matches, including the Derby clash, on the official fixtures schedule.
What are Birmingham City's immediate challenges?
Chris Davies's side face a quick turnaround after their last match, a 2-2 home draw with Wolves. The focus now shifts to the away trip to Pride Park. Maintaining their unbeaten start will be a priority, and having a full squad available is part of that strategy.
Fujimoto's situation will likely be reviewed again in the New Year. For now, the midfielder remains a Birmingham City player, training with the group and ready to contribute if called upon. His last competitive action was in the cup, but his contract ensures he stays with the club until 2028.
