Walsall land Birmingham City midfielder on loan

The 22-year-old has made 21 appearances for the Blues at senior level including 13 in the Championship during the 2022-23 season. 

A serious knee injury in August 2023 has hampered his progress at St Andrew's but he made his return as a substitute during Birmingham's 2-1 win over Lincoln City in the FA Cup last month. 

"I've heard really good things from people I know who know the club well. The lads are doing really well in the league so I just want to keep that going and help where I can. 

"I'm aggressive defensively, I'll press but I'm also calm and composed on the ball. I want to get back to playing football and help the team push for promotion." 

Chang's arrival will help compensate for injuries to fellow Birmingham midfielder George Hall, who is also on loan at Walsall, and Jack Earing, with the pair expected to be side lined until between late-March and early-April. 

He becomes Walsall's fifth signing of the January transfer window following the loan arrivals of Nathan Asiimwe and Ethan Wheatley from Charlton Athletic and Manchester United respectively. 

Striker Levi Amantchi joined from Bromley on an 18-month deal with an option year last week while defender Elicha Ahui also signed before heading out on loan to Drogheda for the rest of 2025. 

Boss Mat Sadler said: "Alfie had a fantastic start to his career at Birmingham, played lots of games in the Championship for them a couple of years ago. 

"He's been on the road to recovery since then from his injury but he's certainly on his way back from that having played for them a couple of weeks ago in the FA Cup. 

"He's someone that I know well and it's thanks to our relationship with Birmingham allowing us to get this deal done. 

"I'm looking forward to seeing him play, he's a very tidy football player, brings quality in forward areas and he's one we're looking forward to seeing grow as the loan continues."