Stuart Webber in the stands, with Tom Brady in a circular inset

Stuart Webber is a contender for Birmingham's sporting director roleImago

Sources: Birmingham City set sights on Stuart Webber deal

Transfer Correspondent AUTHORITY Former Sky Sports and ESPN FC correspondent who specialises in global recruitment, contract negotiations, and high-velocity transfer breaking news. FOCUS Exclusive reporting, domestic and international transfer markets, and elite-level insights. THE INSIGHT Pete utilises a Global Network of Industry Sources to deliver verified, first-to-market reporting. His “Deep-Lens” analysis connects the dots between boardroom strategy and pitch-level recruitment, providing a level of transfer clarity that goes beyond surface-level rumours.

Published on:

14 Jul 2026, 9:32 am

Birmingham City are eyeing former Norwich City recruitment chief Stuart Webber for their vacant sporting director role, sources have told Football Insider.

Webber is currently working as the Head of Sports at Japanese outfit RB Omiya Ardija, part of the Red Bull group, after being targeted by Jurgen Klopp for the role.

It won't be easy for Birmingham to land the 42-year-old as RB Omiya Ardija and the Red Bull group have no plans to lose the recruitment chief from their setup.

Webber has helped mastermind three promotions to the Premier League during his time at Norwich City and Huddersfield Town, placing him firmy on Birmingham's radar.

The Blues are searching for a new sporting director following the departure of Craig Gardner last month, and are big admirers of Webber's work in England.

The Welshman remains highly regarded in English football, and could land a role at the head of Birmingham's ambitions plans, with promotion to the Premier League in their sights.

Why do Birmingham want to appoint Stuart Webber?

Football Insider revealed last month that Birmingham are considering a number of candidates including former Man United chief Dan Ashworth for the sporting director role.

Webber, meanwhile, remains extremely highly rated in English football, particularly in the Championship, for his work at Norwich City which helped lead them into the Premier League.

Big plans are already being put in place at Birmingham City ahead of the new season in which their aim is to secure promotion to the top flight.

Their top sporting director target would bring plenty of know-how in that respect, with his recruitment talents being heralded by his former clubs after successful spells.

At Norwich, he played a key role in the notable signings of Teemu Pukki, Emiliano Buendia and Gabriel Sara, as well as the appointment of Daniel Farke as manager.

Red Bull are extremely reluctant to lose Webber from their setup in Japan and will make efforts to keep him, but Birmingham could now offer a return to English football.

Dan Ashworth in contention for Birmingham City role as trio set for interviews

Sources: Birmingham City update on Chris Davies’ future

Could Chris Davies be under pressure at Birmingham?

Following big changes at the top of the club with Gardner's departure and the arrival of a new sporting director, questions have also been asked of the manager's future.

Chris Davies has been tasked with leading Birmingham to the Premier League after masterminding their promotion from League One in 2025.

However, Football Insider exclusively revealed on 11 July that Davies will be given less than ten games at the start of the new season to prove he can mount a challenge.

Birmingham are aiming to be inside the top six after six matches, with a strong start seen as crucial to their promotion hopes as they aim to hit the ground running.

Davies, 41, is likely to pay the price with dismissal should Birmingham's early target not be met, with questions already having been asked over his long-term position.

Birmingham City Football Club