They may have endured a torrid time under Wayne Rooney, but they managed to bring in some excellent permanent signings during the summer and have been able to build for the long term.
They had trouble doing this under the previous ownership, but things are starting to turn around, and they’re hopeful that will show in their league standing at the end of the season.
The Blues will be hoping that they don’t have to add as many players as they did in the previous summer transfer window in order to increase their chances of long-term success. Stability and continuity are essential.
But a number of players might go in the summer, like Jay Stansfield, who might play football in the Premier League the following season if he keeps up his impressive play.
When the season finishes, a few of their players will also be without contracts; we have included a list of them below.
Ivan Sunjic
It’s reasonable to say that Sunjic has had some low points during his stay at St Andrew’s.
However, he has also had some strong performances this term, proving why the Blues paid a high transfer fee to acquire him.
The midfielder has been a vital member of the club under Tony Mowbray, but he is likely paid well, so it is unclear if a new contract will be given and, if so, how well the two sides can negotiate.
Scott Hogan
Hogan stayed at St Andrew’s past the conclusion of the January transfer window, despite recent rumours that he was interested in joining Sheffield Wednesday.
The Irishman has been benched for a significant portion of the season, and at 31, Birmingham might want to concentrate on developing younger players in the upcoming campaign.
This implies that he must perform to the best of his ability in order to secure a fresh contract.
Gary Gardner
This term, he has made 14 appearances across all competitions, which is a respectable amount.
But in order to demonstrate his worth for an extension, he will have to play more on the pitch.
A contract extension for the 31-year-old appears improbable, though, unless they are eager to keep him around for depth reasons, given that there are players ahead of him in the hierarchy.
Marc Roberts
center-back In December, Roberts was given a lot of playing time.
But since then, he hasn’t played all that much, so it might be difficult for the 33-year-old to get a new contract.
He is yet another player who faces challenges in his possible pursuit of an extended stay at St Andrew’s.
Lukas Jutkiewicz
As before, Jutkiewicz’s future may depend on how the Blues board feels about senior players.
Given his expertise and the possibility of Stansfield and Hogan leaving in the summer, “Juke” might be needed at the Midlands club.
Despite becoming a forward this season, he has only scored two goals in 20 league games and will be 35 when his contract expires at the end of current term.
Neil Etheridge
John Ruddy has been starting ahead of custodian Etheridge for the majority of the last eighteen months.
The Philippines international is obviously talented enough to start at this level, yet some suggest that he makes £23,000 a week.
For this reason, it would come as a surprise if he were to sign a new contract at the end of the campaign.
Kevin Long
With his expertise, he might play a significant role through the remainder of the season.
Long, who is 33, falls into the same group as many other people on this list in that he might not get another deal because of his age.
However, he need to immediately aim to deliver performances that will make it unfeasible for the board to decline his request for an extension.
He has been playing against West Bromwich Albion recently, so maybe he may get a new contract or make an impression.
Keshi Anderson
Although Anderson signed in the summer, he hasn’t played as much because of injuries.
Since the beginning of the season, he has failed to find himself on the Blues scoreboard and as of this writing, he has only registered one assist.
The former Blackpool player might have trouble landing a new deal in light of his past performance. However, he still has a few months to convince Mowbray of his value.
There is an option to extend his deal by a further year.
Marcel Oakley
Last year, an option to extend Oakley’s contract was taken.
However, since the player has only made two league appearances this season and new terms have not yet been agreed upon, it is unclear whether further negotiations will be possible in the upcoming months.
John Ruddy
Another older player, Ruddy has been playing frequently ever since he moved here.
Even though he is currently sidelined due to injury, you would still support him to return to the starting lineup unless Etheridge had a very strong game.
Furthermore, it wouldn’t be shocking to see him receive a one-year deal if he can reclaim his starting position.
Though goalkeepers frequently have longer careers than outfield players, it wouldn’t be shocking to see him continue at St Andrew’s if he can play well enough. At 37, he won’t be considered a long-term option.
It’s a hefty ask, but he needs to make sure he’s at his best when he returns.
Leave a Reply