Ben Davies’ loan spell at Birmingham City has proven to be a resounding success, both for the player and the club. When he left Rangers last summer, it was with the primary aim of securing more regular playing time, something that had eluded him during his time at Ibrox. Now, after an impressive campaign in England’s League One, where he has racked up 37 appearances—including 29 in the league—he has firmly established himself as a key player under Chris Davies. His performances have helped solidify Birmingham’s backline, contributing significantly to their promotion push.

Birmingham currently sit in a commanding position at the top of the table, leading Wrexham by nine points with two games in hand. With automatic promotion within reach, Davies has played a pivotal role in ensuring that the Blues remain strong defensively as they push toward a return to the Championship. His consistent displays have earned him plenty of praise from the Birmingham supporters, many of whom have already voiced their desire to see him remain at the club beyond this season. The admiration he has received from the fanbase is a testament to his impact on the team, and it is clear that he has found an environment where he feels valued.

For Rangers fans, Davies’ success in England only reinforces the idea that his future likely lies away from Ibrox. During his time in Glasgow, he was never able to fully establish himself as a first-choice centre-back. While he showed flashes of quality, there were also moments of inconsistency that prevented him from becoming a mainstay in the team. With Rangers expected to undergo a significant squad rebuild in the summer, there is little indication that Davies will be part of the long-term plans at the club. He is still under contract until 2026, but with the expected arrival of new signings, the likelihood of him earning a regular starting spot appears slim.

The reality is that Rangers are moving in a new direction, and Davies’ departure would free up both wages and a squad place for a fresh addition in the defensive department. Given that the club is likely to have a transfer budget available after the 49ers-led takeover, it makes sense for them to move on from players who are not central to their plans. For Davies, returning to Ibrox only to be on the fringes once again would not be an ideal scenario.

Currently, there is no automatic purchase clause in his loan deal, meaning any permanent transfer would have to be negotiated separately. However, given how well his spell has gone and how much he has contributed to Birmingham’s success, it would not be surprising if the Midlands club made an effort to keep him beyond this season. If they secure promotion to the Championship, reinforcing the squad with experienced players will be a priority, and Davies fits that profile perfectly. At 29, he is an established defender with experience in both England and Scotland, making him a valuable asset for a team looking to consolidate itself at a higher level.

For his part, Davies has maintained that he is focused on the present and is not yet thinking about his long-term future. Following Birmingham’s recent 4-1 victory over Shrewsbury, he was asked about a potential permanent move and admitted that while he hadn’t given it serious thought yet, he would be open to staying if the opportunity arose. His comments suggest that he is happy at the club and would consider making the switch permanent if it aligns with his career goals and if the right deal can be reached. However, the final decision will ultimately depend on factors such as Birmingham’s transfer budget and whether Rangers are willing to facilitate a sale.

From a career perspective, a permanent move to Birmingham seems like the logical next step for Davies. He has finally found a club where he is playing regularly, contributing meaningfully, and earning the trust of both the manager and the supporters. Returning to Rangers, where he struggled for consistent game time, would likely only see him fall back into a similar situation. At this stage of his career, regular football should be his top priority, and Birmingham offers him that stability.

If the Blues can work out a deal, it could be a win-win situation for all parties involved. Rangers would free up wages and a squad spot, allowing them to reinvest in their defensive options, while Birmingham would retain a player who has been instrumental to their success this season. Meanwhile, Davies would get the opportunity to continue playing at a club where he feels appreciated, in a system that suits his strengths.

This summer will be a defining period for Davies as he assesses his options. But based on his performances this season, staying at Birmingham looks like the best course of action. The club is on the rise, and if they secure promotion, having a solid defensive core will be essential to their survival in the Championship. Davies has already proven his worth in League One, and a move to the second tier would give him the chance to test himself at a higher level while maintaining the consistency he has found this season.

Ultimately, while nothing is set in stone yet, all signs point toward Davies making his stay at Birmingham a long-term one. If the opportunity arises, it would be a sensible move for all involved, allowing him to build on his success and continue playing a key role in a team that values his contributions.