Birmingham City are coping without Kai Wagner – he’s thriving without them

Birmingham City sold Kai Wagner back to MLS side Philadelphia Union in the summer transfer window after he and his family reportedly struggled to settle in England. The 29-year-old left-back returned to the Union just months after leaving them, and has played an instrumental role in reversing the club's fortunes following a difficult start to the season.

Since Wagner's return, Philadelphia Union have mounted an 11-match unbeaten streak, winning nine games and drawing two to climb from the bottom of the Eastern Conference to sixth place. Meanwhile, Birmingham City have coped well in Wagner's absence behind the strong performances of Alex Cochrane, along with defensive cover from Kristoffer Lund and Lee Buchanan.