Clinton Morrison believes Birmingham City will reach the Premier League before Wrexham, despite acknowledging the Red Dragons' current strength. The former Blues striker made his bold prediction while discussing two of the Championship's most ambitious clubs, both backed by high-profile owners navigating the competitive 2025-26 season.
Both teams climbed out of League One together in 2024-25, yet their trajectories diverged dramatically. Wrexham, chasing a historic third consecutive promotion, fell agonisingly short of the play-offs on final day, while Birmingham avoided the worst-case scenario. The contrast highlights how unpredictable Championship football has become, with former Premier League sides Wolves and West Brom also battling in the second tier.
Morrison's Assessment of the Race
Speaking exclusively to GOAL, Morrison acknowledged Wrexham's current credentials: "At the moment Wrexham are better suited than Birmingham to go up." However, he tempered this by suggesting the gap narrows significantly once transfer windows open. "Come next season it's an even keel. We'll see what players come in through the door," Morrison explained, before declaring his loyalty: "I think Birmingham will just get to the Premier League before Wrexham. I can't not go against my own team."
The analysis reflects harsh reality. Birmingham's away form proved catastrophic in 2025-26, undermining their promotion credentials despite substantial investment. Morrison warned that next season's Championship will be even more cutthroat, with relegated clubs and ambitious second-tier regulars all competing for limited promotion spots.
West Midlands Derby Implications
Local derbies will add another layer of intrigue, with Wolves' recent Premier League drop and West Brom's survival battle creating a crowded midlands landscape. Morrison expects Birmingham to edge regional rivals, though he stressed that managerial stability and early-season momentum will prove decisive. The club's new stadium developments and ambitious ownership structure under the Knighthead team signal long-term ambitions beyond this single season.
For Wrexham, the Netflix documentary phenomenon brings global attention, but on-pitch execution remains paramount. With Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney steering strategy, the club faces mounting expectations after narrowly missing out on a remarkable third promotion. Both organizations will spend heavily in summer, but only one can claim the Championship title next season.
