The Blues may not be able to retain the stopper after Sam Tickle’s debut for the England Under-21 team this week.
In an attempt to strengthen their roster and improve their chances of surviving, Birmingham City was linked to a move for Wigan Athletic custodian Sam Tickle during the January transfer window.
The latest development in the young keeper’s promising career may mean that he is beyond the reach of clubs in the second tier once the summer transfer window opens. Alan Nixon stated on Patreon that the Blues were interested in Tickle’s services along with fellow Championship team Preston North End.
Throughout the season, Tickle has been a reliable player for Wigan and has kept an amazing 13 clean sheets in League One, a record only surpassed by five other goalkeepers in the third division, notably Portsmouth’s Will Norris.
However, the Latics custodian, who is only 21 years old, has truly come into his own this season, which is why Lee Carsley has consistently included him in the England under-21 team.
Tickle’s debut for the England Under-21s will increase Premier League interest
Due to an injury sustained by Sam Johnstone, regular first choice James Trafford was elevated to the senior squad on Tuesday night, and Tickle made his debut for Carsley’s Young Lions.
At Bolton Wanderers’ Toughsheet Community Stadium, the Latics custodian maintained a spotless record as England defeated Luxembourg 7-0. Noni Madueke, Samuel Iling-Junior, and Morgan Rogers each scored two goals for their country, while Jamie Bynoe-Gittens also found the back of the net.
According to FotMob statistics, Tickle didn’t have the busiest of evenings as Luxembourg managed just one shot on goal, but it’s difficult for the national under-21 team to keep a clean sheet on debut.
Tickle’s profile will have increased just by sharing the starting eleven with Chelsea’s Madueke, Harvey Elliott of Liverpool, and Jarell Quansah.
Just two days after Tickle impressed for the Latics in the FA Cup third round matchup against Premier League powerhouse Manchester United, The Athletic revealed on January 10 that Everton, another elite team, was interested in signing the talented young player.
The 21-year-old received more exposure from that cup match against the Red Devils than from his typical League One appearances, and as a result, Premier League clubs have begun to watch Tickle a little more. His debut for Carsley’s team will probably have the same effect, particularly since he kept a clean sheet.
Birmingham might not be able to sign Tickle in the summer due to his rising talent. Tickle is a week-in, week-out performer for the Latics and has earned an international under-21 cap.
Sam Tickle’s England under-21 cap is not good news for Birmingham City
The Blues, who haven’t won since February 17th, are in a relegation battle and are only above the relegation zone on goal differential.
The match on Good Friday against QPR, who are currently one point above the Midlands team, is the definition of a relegation six-pointer and could have a significant impact on their future.
But Tickle is precisely the kind of talented custodian that the Blues would like to bring to St Andrew’s if they manage to win the championship.
The first option available right now It is far from ideal that John Ruddy, who is currently 37 years old, has only managed seven clean sheets in 36 Championship games.
Nonetheless, even if Tony Mowbray’s team manages to avoid dropping into the relegation zone, Premier League interest in Tickle as an England international might prevent them from signing him.
Birmingham might be priced out of a move by Premier League teams who can offer larger transfer fees if other elite teams join Everton in the competition for Tickle.
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