Birmingham City can sign League One’s best goalkeeper on a free transfer

Free agents hit the market all the time and there are some attractive options available for Birmingham City.

The Blues released five senior players at the weekend, with their five loanees also leaving, meaning a large number of players will need to be re-signed this summer. Experienced duo John Ruddy and Lukas Jutkiewicz have been offered new deals and the Blues have extended Keshi Anderson’s contract by a further 12 months.

With the departure of Neil Etheridge, the Blues will need to sign at least one new goalkeeper this summer. If Ruddy opts to reject the offer of a new deal and move elsewhere, the Blues will need to find two gloves for the League One campaign.

Championship side Derby County surprised on Saturday by fielding Joe Wildsmith, who won the League One Golden Glove award last term for being the division’s best goalkeeper. Wildsmith has kept 20 clean sheets in his 40 League One outings for the Rams and conceded the fewest goals.

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Reacting to the surprise release on social media, Wildsmith said: “Thanks for everything. It’s been a crazy two years and I’ve loved every minute of it. I came here to help this huge club back to the Championship and leave having done that. What a way to go out.

“I’d like to thank all the players I’ve had the pleasure of sharing the pitch and experience with, as well as the backstage staff for all the work they do day in and day out!

“Last but not least, I want to thank the club’s supporters for making me feel so welcome from the start and being so kind to my family. The support you have shown me over the past two years has not gone unnoticed. Thank you! I wish the club all the best for the future!”

The 28-year-old former Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper is now looking for a new club. He is one of several tantalizing free agents available for the Blues and Co this summer.

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