Out-of-contract players Birmingham City could keep after relegation to League One

Birmingham City will undoubtedly have more activities this summer as a result of their relegation to League One.After the post-season inquest is over, a reconstruction will be necessary.

The Blues have eight senior players whose contracts are about to expire in addition to a large number of players whose futures are unclear. In the upcoming days and weeks, they will find out if they are included in the future plans.

Among those whose contracts expire in July are club captain Lukas Jutkiewicz, first team regulars John Ruddy, Marc Roberts, and Ivan Sunjic. The contracts of seasoned players Scott Hogan, Keshi Anderson, Gary Gardner, and Neil Etheridge will soon expire.

Before the Blues cut their cloth, former CEO Xuandong Ren gave away expensive pre-pandemic deals to many of the unsigned players.See here for the Blues’ contract expiration dates.

2024

The following players have options: Neil Etheridge, John Ruddy, Marc Roberts, Marcel Oakley, Ivan Sunjic, Gary Gardner, Keshi Anderson, Scott Hogan, and Lukas Jutkiewicz.

Out of those without contracts this summer, six are above thirty. Blues intend to release a number of the players listed above, even if some, like Keshi Anderson, who signed with the team on a free transfer in July, have options to extend.

Ivan Sunjic, 27, has been one of the Blues’ most productive players this year, but if he wants to stay until the summer, he’ll probably have to take a big pay cut. Since turning 30, seasoned goalie Ruddy has only dealt with short-term contracts; nonetheless, he recently disclosed that no talks have occurred.

When asked if Blues and BirminghamLive had discussed a new deal, Rudy replied, “Not much, no.” I believe that several players with contracts and loan players are in a similar circumstance. However, we must give this badge our all for as long as we are present at this club.”

Jutkiewicz, who has played with the Blues the longest, is also approaching the conclusion of his current contract. He stated in December that “you have to earn things in this game and making sure that, regardless of age, you maintain gaining the manager’s faith and, in a broader sense, getting the trust of the football club to earn a new contract.”

2025

Juninho Bacuna, Koji Miyoshi, and Jordan James, all have options.

Most importantly, the Blues have the choice to add one more year to Jordan James’ deal. James garnered significant attention during the January transfer window, and the Blues anticipate new offers in the summer.BirminghamLive is aware that there is a contract extension option for Koji Miyoshi.

2026

Manny Longelo, Paik Seung-ho, Alfie Chang, Alex Pritchard, Josh Williams, Kristian Bielik, Siriki Dembele, George Hall, and Ethan Laird.

2027

Taylor Roberts and Dion Sanderson.

2028

Buchanan Lee.

This summer, who should the Blues keep?

Even if the majority of the team underperformed this season, there are a few trustworthy talents among the unsigned guys. Given their little playing experience, Neil Etheridge and Scott Hogan already appear to be on the outs with Sunjic’s probable departure.

It is hard to imagine John Ruddy playing in League One after what he said in March. Ruddy kept 11 clean sheets in the previous season. Still, it’s evident how well regarded he is by the club’s members given that he was named captain for the remaining three games. In every way, Ruddy is a leader, and he might be useful in League One.

Lukas Jutkiewicz, Marc Roberts, and Gary Gardner are all potential assets in League One, but this season’s injuries have taken a toll on them. Gardner hasn’t played much, Roberts has been dealing with calf problems, and Jutkiewicz’s body has been working overtime.

Gary Rowett remarked, “There are some wonderful guys in there,” during his last encounter with Norwich City as temporary manager. “Those who have genuinely shown their hearts via their clothing. Gary Gardner hasn’t played much, but he told me yesterday, “I’m not fit, but if you want me, I’ll do everything I can to get out there.” Players like John Ruddy and Jukey are examples of this. They are an excellent example of how to strike a balance between talent and quality and that mentality.”

Keshi Anderson is another player with an outstanding record since the start of the season. The Blues have only lost three of the fifteen games Anderson started, despite his lackluster goals and assists totals. Under the proper manager in League One, he would definitely be a valuable addition.

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