Jonathan Panzo has completed a free transfer to Greek Super League club Levadiakos after Birmingham City decided not to extend his contract this summer. The 25-year-old left-sided defender has signed a one-year deal with the Greek side, confirming the end of his spell at St Andrew's.
Panzo joined Birmingham City in the January transfer window earlier this year on a short-term contract until the end of the season. He made a total of 12 appearances for the club across all competitions. He enjoyed a run in the starting eleven over February and March, putting in a strong display against Leeds United in the FA Cup. Before that, he had made 35 senior appearances for Portuguese side Rio Ave, where he spent the 2025/26 season on loan.
Defensive implications
The departure of Panzo, coupled with the earlier termination of Jack Robinson's contract, leaves Birmingham City with only three natural central defenders. Christoph Klarer, Phil Neumann, and Dael Fry are the recognised options in the heart of defence. The club did not sign another left-footed centre-back during the summer transfer window, a profile Panzo provided.
This comes as Birmingham City prepare for the 2026/27 campaign sitting 10th in the Championship with 11 points from eight games. Their recent form reads one win, three draws and one defeat from the last five matches. Manager Chris Davies had previously spoken about the need for defensive depth, making Panzo's exit a notable one.
Panzo's career path
A former England youth international, Panzo has now played in England, France, Belgium, Portugal, and Greece. He was part of Chelsea's academy from 2010 to 2018 and represented England from Under-16s to Under-21s level. He was a member of the England squad that won the Under-17 World Cup in 2017, playing alongside the likes of Marc Guehi, Phil Foden, and Morgan Gibbs-White.
After leaving Chelsea, he had loan spells with Coventry City, Cardiff City, Standard Liege, and Rio Ave before his permanent move to Birmingham. He also spent time at Nottingham Forest and Dijon earlier in his career. "Panzo will feel he has the attributes to thrive in the Greek Super League," the defender said in a statement released by Levadiakos. The club's sporting director welcomed his experience and versatility.
Given his age and profile, the former Coventry City and Nottingham Forest man could have been a smart addition at Championship level. Birmingham City had a steady summer window with only a handful of departures, Panzo being one of them. The squad list for the upcoming challenges is available on our squad page.
Birmingham City's next match is away to West Brom on 10 October. Levadiakos, who finished 8th in the Greek top flight last season, are currently in mid-table.
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