Birmingham City make important transfer decision for fan favourite

Blues recently confirmed their retained and released players following the end of the 2023/24 season. Five first-team players will be departing, while one has had an extension triggered and two have been offered new deals.

The quintet shown the exit door are record signing Ivan Sunjic, backup goalkeeper Neil Etheridge, out-of-sorts striker Scott Hogan, top servant Gary Gardner and experienced defender Marc Roberts. But tricky winger Keshi Anderson’s deal has been extended by a year, while veteran goalkeeper John Ruddy and legendary striker Lukas Jutkiewicz have been offered new contracts.

Confirmation of the latter being urged to continue his stay will go down particularly well with Bluenoses as Jutkiewicz is a fan favourite. The 35-year-old is approaching his career end but he still offers a great deal in the dressing room – and he’s a decent target-man option off the bench.

Jutkiewicz scored just three goals in 28 Championship matches last season but most appearances were in the dying embers of fixtures. It’s not yet guaranteed ‘the Juke’ will stay but the promise of a likely increase in game time could prove crucial, as could his eagerness to help Blues earn promotion from League One at the first time of asking.

The offer for Ruddy will have a mixed reception as he’s undoubtedly a brilliant shot-stopper but his distribution leaves a lot to be desired. It depends on who the manager in the dugout will be, really, and whether their playing style relies on passing out from the back. If it’s Tony Mowbray, then maintaining possession is a priority and Ruddy might not be the best fit.

Nonetheless, the experience, leadership and attitude Ruddy brings from the back cannot go understated. Blues need that type of character to stick around if they are to bounce back to the Championship, mixed in with young blood.