Birmingham City star likely to depart club admits Davies

Tomoki Iwata is likely set for his final season at Birmingham City, with Chris Davies admitting the midfielder’s long-term future may lie back in Japan.

Iwata has become an important figure for Birmingham, but Davies revealed the player’s family situation could eventually lead to a return home.

“We spoke to him last season – ‘You’ve been fantastic, we think the world of you’ – but he’s got a young family,” Davies said.

“I think he’s got three now. He’s got an overloading midfield now, three vs two, and I think their future is back home in Japan.

“He was calm about it but we haven’t really taken it on any further. We’re both content with that.”

Davies made clear, however, that Iwata remains central to his plans this season.

“What I said to him at the start of the season is you’re going nowhere, you’re an absolutely critical player, you’re going to be a critical player this season and we’ll speak again as the season goes on and he’s happy with that,” he said.

The Birmingham boss added that no final decision has been made and discussions will continue.

“We are relaxed, open-minded,” Davies said.

“We are in regular contact, me and him, about it and we’ll see how the next few months go.

“You never know, he might change his mind if things start going really well.”