National team midfielder Baek Seung-ho (28, Birmingham City) is heading towards the English Championship (second division), but Lee Myung-jae (33, Birmingham) is not expected to do so.
Birmingham City achieved a league home record of 10 consecutive wins by defeating Barnsley 6-2 in Round 41 of the 2024-2025 English Football League (EFL) League 1 (third division) held on the night of the 5th (Korean time) at St. Andrew's in Birmingham, England. As a result, Birmingham recorded 92 points (28 wins, 8 draws, 3 losses) and is racing in first place, getting one step closer to victory.
The gap with Wrexham (81 points), who have played two fewer games, has widened to 11 points again. Birmingham can secure early victory with just two more wins in the remaining seven matches. On this day, Birmingham showcased a firepower show, scoring a remarkable six goals against Barnsley, who had 10 players.
However, it was not an easy victory. Birmingham gained a numerical advantage after the opponent was sent off just three minutes into the match and took the lead with a penalty kick goal from Jay Stansfield in the 33rd minute. However, immediately after scoring, they conceded an equalizer from Davis Kayler, finishing the first half at 1-1.
The second half was different. Birmingham surged ahead with multiple goals from Alfie May in the 2nd and 10th minutes of the second half. They conceded another goal in the 14th minute, but then scored three additional goals, overwhelming Barnsley. Baek Seung-ho also started as a central midfielder and contributed to the team’s victory. He collaborated with Japanese midfielder Tomoki Iwata, orchestrating Birmingham's midfield. This was his starting return match since injuring his hamstring in a friendly match against Oman in March.
According to football statistics outlet 'FootMob', Baek Seung-ho played for 83 minutes before being substituted in the 38th minute of the second half. He recorded a pass success rate of 95% (38/40), created one chance, succeeded in one dribble, completed one long pass, and made one interception, earning a rating of 6.7.
Birmingham is also rewriting its club history alongside Baek Seung-ho. Birmingham has already set a club record for the most wins in a single season since its founding in 1875, with 37 official victories and 27 league wins following the victory over Bristol. By defeating Barnsley as well, they increased the records to 38 wins and 27 league wins. The next additional wins will mark a new history for Birmingham.
Birmingham is reaping the rewards of substantial investments made last summer. After a chaotic season during which the manager changed four times and finished 22nd in the Championship, they could not avoid relegation to the third division. In January 2024, manager Tony Mowbray, who brought in Baek Seung-ho, left due to health issues, and the interim coach and caretaker system collapsed.
Birmingham spared no expense in the transfer market to quickly return to the second division. They placed a bet of £20 million (about 37.7 billion won), including options, to acquire promising Fulham player Jay Stansfield, setting a new record for transfer fees in League 1. Additionally, they spent nearly €35 million (about 55.8 billion won) on players such as Emil Hansson, Tomoki Iwata, and Kristof Klarer.
Birmingham, demonstrating a strong ambition for promotion, also succeeded in retaining Baek Seung-ho. He joined the team halfway through last season but established himself as the 'ace of the midfield,' making a notable impression.
As a result, many Championship clubs reached out to Baek Seung-ho. It is reported that several teams, including Leeds, which dreams of returning to the Premier League (PL), as well as Stoke City, Sunderland, and Sheffield United, showed interest.
However, Birmingham had no intention of letting Baek Seung-ho go and rejected all offers. They judged that Baek Seung-ho was essential to their ambitions of returning to the second division.
Baek Seung-ho also guaranteed his future by re-signing with Birmingham for four years last October. He expressed, "I am really happy. Now that the new season has started, I feel like we can achieve something really great. We are on a good path. I believe staying here is good for my career," revealing the reason for his surprise re-signing.
This season, Baek Seung-ho has played in 42 matches across all competitions, scoring one goal and providing three assists, establishing himself as a key midfielder for Birmingham. He has featured in 34 league matches, leading the team in the race for first place. Baek Seung-ho remains an essential member of Birmingham's strongest team in its 150-year history.
Regarding Baek Seung-ho, the local media Birmingham Live commented, "Baek Seung-ho's performance along the touchline in the second half was fantastic. The way he brushed off opponents with a shoulder nudge near the touchline was mesmerizing. Simply put, there has never been a player with such talent in League 1. In short, Baek Seung-ho should not be here," and applauded him.
While Baek Seung-ho is soaring, Lee Myung-jae failed to make an appearance in a match where he was likely to join Birmingham. Since joining, he has continued to sit on the bench and is considered effectively out of the squad. This stands in stark contrast to Baek Seung-ho, who is praised as the best player in the team's history.
British outlet 'Football League World' stated, "The last few months have been frustrating and unsatisfactory for Lee Myung-jae. His playing time in the new team has been significantly lower. As Alex Cochran continues to lead the defensive role on the left side, Lee Myung-jae has remained on the bench entirely."
The outlet explained, "Birmingham's contract with Lee Myung-jae is merely short-term. And due to poor evaluations within the team, Coach Chris Davis is likely to let him go at the end of the season," adding that "the player is also expected to leave in search of playing time."
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