Ivan Sunjic’s tenure with Birmingham City ended over the weekend. In a predictable turn of events, it has been confirmed that Sunjic will not be part of the team as they head into League One next season. He is one of five senior players, including Neil Etheridge, Marc Roberts, Gary Gardner, and Scott Hogan, who are leaving the club at the end of their contracts. While the other four were sidelined for much of last season, Sunjic remained a regular fixture in midfield.

Sunjic, who joined Birmingham in 2019, made 40 appearances this season, bringing his total to 173 for the club. During the 2022/23 season, he spent time on loan at Hertha Berlin, where he experienced a difficult spell that likely influenced his decision to stay with Birmingham last summer. Under John Eustace, Sunjic was promised a key role as a defensive midfielder in a 4-2-3-1 formation, which saw him and Krystian Bielik form a strong partnership, crucial in Birmingham’s early unbeaten run.

However, after Wayne Rooney took over as manager, he altered the team’s setup, asking Sunjic to play out of position, which diminished his effectiveness. Despite this, Sunjic remained professional and committed under subsequent managers Tony Mowbray and Gary Rowett. His emotional reaction to scoring against Coventry City will be a lasting memory for fans, symbolizing his dedication despite not always being utilized to his full potential by the club’s various managers.

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