The 36-year-old Lukas Jutkiewicz has been with Birmingham City for nine years, having joined on loan from Burnley in the summer of 2016 before his contract was made permanent in January 2017. Despite this, he has played few minutes this season, as the team’s primary strikers, Jay Stansfield and Alfie May, have been trusted, leaving the Southampton-born star to watch from the sidelines. Nevertheless, he will be more than impressed with the performances of his Birmingham teammates as the West Midlands team approaches promotion back to the Championship after just one season in League One. Lee Hendrie has offered his thoughts on the future of Lukas Jutkiewicz.
With a 2-1 victory over Bristol Rovers on Tuesday night, they are now 11 points ahead of second-place Wrexham and have two games left to play the Red Dragons. After a year with scant opportunities on the pitch, Jutkiewicz’s future at St Andrew’s will be questioned.
      Hendrie makes claim on Jutkiewicz’s future
In addition to his responsibilities as a player, the forward has been earning his coaching badges over the past few years. Former Blues captain Michael Morrison has already expressed his wish to lead the team in the future and have his former comrade serve as his assistant.
Even if his time in B9 may be coming to an end for the time being, it is evident that he still has a lot to contribute on the pitch if given the proper opportunity. If he chooses to stay, other clubs may be interested in hiring him in the summer.
Lee Hendrie has shared his opinions on Jutkiewicz’s future and whether teams from all across the EFL will try to sign him in an exclusive interview with Football League World.
“He’s one of those players who I do think will depart from St. Andrew’s, I really do,” he said. “I believe Birmingham is moving in a different direction than he is, and they are undoubtedly making an effort to advance. He has been a standout player for the football team for a long time and has occasionally shown his worth.
Before he could take to the pitch, he had to wait, but once he did, he provided Birmingham with excellent service. However, you do feel that someone else will undoubtedly grab him at that lovely age of 36 since I believe that some clubs could capitalise on his strengths.”
“His strengths are definitely playing in the box, and he thrives off crosses,” Hendrie went on. Any side that could be considering taking him come summertime will find him to be a wonderful focal point.
“He will leave Birmingham, in my opinion, and he will undoubtedly remain in the EFL at some level; whether that is in League One or the Championship will depend on the situation. However, I do believe that several Championship teams will be considering his potential and what he may contribute to their teams.”
           Jutkiewicz’s future is in his own hands
Although it appears that his playing days at Birmingham are coming to an end, it is entirely up to him to decide whether to stay on, and several third-tier teams will be interested in him.
With players like Darren Pratley and David McGoldrick demonstrating that age is just a number in League One and League Two, respectively, his expertise might be vital to teams battling at either end of the division.
Jutkiewicz may decide to hang up his boots at the end of this season, though, as a return to the Championship would be the ideal way to cap off a stellar career. It wouldn’t be shocking to see him transition into coaching sooner rather than later.
