Tomoki Iwata's Blues future in doubt

The midfielder is out of contract and, as yet, no new deal has been agreed.

Chris Davies says he 'thinks the world' of Iwata, who has upped his performance level this season.

But there seems a tacit understanding that Iwata, who turns 30 in April, is likely to return to Japan in order to bring up his young children in his homeland.

"We spoke to him - this was last season - we told him he's fantastic and we think the world of him," said Davies.

"He's got a young family, three now I think - so he has got an overload in midfield at home, three v two! - and I think their future is obviously back home in Japan.

"He was calm about it, but we haven't really taken it on any further. And nor has he. So we are both content with that.

"What I said to him at the start of the season was that you are going nowhere, you are an absolute critical player. I think the world of you and we will speak again as the season goes on. He's happy with that."

Iwata has been a reliable cog in central midfield for Davies after joining from Celtic in August 2024 for around £800,000.

His signing came on deadline day and was overshadowed by the blockbuster deal worth around £12 million for Jay Stansfield from Fulham.

But Iwata has proved as important for Blues in his own way as Stansfield has.

He clocked his 100th appearance for Blues last month and so regularly goes about his work efficiently without fuss.

Davies added: "We are relaxed, open-minded. We are in regular contact, me and him about it. We will see how the next few months go. You never know, he might change his mind if things start going really well."

Davies praised Iwata for his contribution to Blues thus far.

"Tomoki is the ultimate professional. I don't know why he hasn't got a song, they (the fans) need to make one up!

"He's been an absolute stalwart for us in my time as a manager. He's a machine, basically.

"He has been better with the ball in the last matches, he's getting more ball touches, playing forward more and using his quality, two good feet. He's disciplined and his focus is crucial in there."

In terms of value for money, Davies rates Iwata as excellent business.

"I can count a few good deals we did. You don't get them all right, as you know.

"But for what he gives culturally around the place, how he is, how professional he is and his ability - he's been a bargain."