Breaking: Again Birmingham City In Fight To Keep Key Player..

Birmingham City are facing a challenge to retain the services of their goalkeeper John Ruddy, as Charlton Athletic has initiated discussions with the veteran shot stopper, as reported by Football Insider.

Ruddy, who is 37 years old, has been a consistent presence at St Andrew’s since joining from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2022. Initially signing a one-year contract, his impressive performances led to an extension for an additional year after only half a season.

Despite Birmingham’s turbulent season that led to relegation from the Championship after John Eustace’s departure in October, Ruddy remained a steadfast figure in goal.

Birmingham is eager to bounce back swiftly from their League One stint and has expressed their desire to retain Ruddy, confirming they offered him a new contract in May. However, Ruddy hesitated to commit while the club was in managerial limbo. With the recent appointment of Chris Davies, the situation is expected to progress.

In a recent interview on The Fozcast with Ben Foster, Ruddy emphasized his interest in continuing to play, citing his enjoyment of regular game time over the past two years after a spell at Wolves where he wasn’t seeing action. He highlighted his physical readiness and consistent performance level.

Charlton Athletic, looking to bolster their goalkeeping options with experienced players, including recent signing Will Mannion from Cambridge United, are among the clubs reportedly in talks with Ruddy. They have been proactive in the transfer market, adding Luke Berry, Josh Edwards, and potentially Alex Mitchell from Millwall.

Despite his advancing age, Ruddy remains an attractive option for League One clubs due to his recent resurgence at Birmingham. His primary concern is playing time, making negotiations with both Birmingham and potential suitors pivotal. Birmingham’s recent signing of Ryan Allsop from Hull City suggests Ruddy’s tenure at St Andrew’s may be nearing its end.