Birmingham City F.C. retained list confirmed with 19 Championship players already leaving clubs

As Championship clubs begin confirming their retained and released lists ahead of the summer transfer window, a growing number of experienced players are set to become free agents — giving Birmingham City F.C. and their second-tier rivals plenty of opportunities to strengthen their squads in the coming weeks.

Championship teams are required to inform out-of-contract players of their decisions by May 16, and Birmingham City are currently working through those discussions as preparations continue for next season. At present, defender Jonathan Panzo is the only senior Blues player due to see his contract expire this summer, although further squad decisions are expected soon.

Elsewhere across the division, several notable departures have already been confirmed. Charlton Athletic F.C. have announced the exits of midfielders Luke Berry and Terry Taylor. Berry, now 33, previously worked under manager Nathan Jones at multiple clubs and played an important role in Charlton’s successful promotion campaign during the 2024/25 season.

The Addicks have, however, triggered an option to extend the contract of Tyreece Campbell, while discussions are ongoing with former Birmingham striker Lyndon Dykes regarding a possible new agreement before his current deal expires at the end of June.

Meanwhile, Queens Park Rangers F.C. have confirmed the departures of veteran goalkeepers Paul Nardi and Ben Hamer. Nardi featured prominently last season, making 17 Championship appearances, including QPR’s 2-1 victory over Birmingham at Loftus Road in December. Experienced midfielder Isaac Hayden is also set to leave the London club.

At Norwich City F.C., several seasoned Championship names are heading for the exit door. The Canaries have released defender Shane Duffy, attacking midfielder Emiliano Marcondes, and versatile wide player Jeffrey Schlupp. While Duffy and Schlupp are now into their thirties, Marcondes remained a key figure for Norwich not long ago, contributing five goals and eight assists during the 2024/25 campaign.

Young winger Tony Springett and reserve goalkeeper Dan Barden are also departing Carrow Road as Norwich continue reshaping their squad.

Recently relegated Oxford United F.C. have likewise started trimming their roster, releasing former Birmingham loanee Przemysław Płacheta as well as striker Tom Bradshaw, who previously earned a reputation as one of the Championship’s more reliable goalscorers.

With dozens more retained lists expected over the coming days, the free-agent market is likely to become increasingly active as Championship clubs search for experienced additions ahead of the new campaign.