Birmingham City will need to add a new goalkeeper to their ranks during the summer transfer window following the departure of James Beadle. A reliable shot-stopper can be the difference between Premier League promotion and another season in the Championship, as Coventry City demonstrated last season.
The Importance of a Top Goalkeeper
The only notable difference in personnel between Coventry's first season under Frank Lampard and their second was goalkeeper Carl Rushworth. The Brighton loanee kept 17 clean sheets, won the Golden Glove, and earned a promotion winners' medal in the 2025/26 campaign.
Birmingham City find themselves at a similar crossroads this summer. They have an expensively assembled squad ready to challenge for promotion, but require key additions—including a goalkeeper. Last summer, they opted for James Beadle, another Brighton loanee, but the 21-year-old experienced the expected highs and lows of a young keeper. Blues need a proven shot-stopper to end the debate over the number one spot.
Potential Signings
Radek Vitek
Club: Manchester United
The best Championship goalkeepers boast a save percentage above 70 percent—Beadle had 68.5 percent, and Ryan Allsop only 57.6 percent, according to FBREF. Vitek, 22, spent last season on loan at Bristol City, keeping 12 clean sheets in 41 Championship games. His 72 percent save percentage ranked him among the top eight shot-stoppers in the division. Only two goalkeepers made more saves than Vitek's 133, and they played four more games each. Unsurprisingly, Vitek won Bristol City's Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year awards. With two years remaining on his Manchester United contract, a decision on his future is imminent.
Jamie Cumming
Club: Oxford United
Despite Oxford's relegation to League One, 26-year-old Cumming proved himself a capable Championship goalkeeper. He boasts a 70 percent save percentage and kept eight clean sheets in a struggling team—no small feat. Cumming has experience playing for teams that prioritize playing out from the back, so that aspect of Blues' play would not be an issue.
Anthony Patterson
Club: Sunderland
Patterson is reportedly available for transfer this summer after falling behind Robin Roefs at Sunderland. A play-off winner last year, he spent the second half of the season on loan at Millwall, keeping seven clean sheets in 16 matches before their semi-final exit to Hull. Reports suggest Sunderland will demand £8-10 million for Patterson, a figure few Championship clubs would pay for a goalkeeper.
Alex Palmer
Club: Ipswich Town
Palmer was one of the Championship's best goalkeepers for West Brom in 2024 before moving to Ipswich, where he has played a bit-part role. Christian Walton was Kieran McKenna's first choice during Ipswich's successful season, and Palmer, 29, may need to move for regular football. A switch to Blues would be ideal from a location perspective, and he could provide the experienced option Chris Davies' team needs.
Illan Meslier
Club: Leeds United
French stopper Meslier faced criticism for high-profile mistakes in the 2024/25 season but remained Leeds' number one en route to the Championship title. His numbers were impressive: 21 clean sheets in 39 league games and a 72 percent save percentage. He has not played this season and is expected to become available on a free transfer this summer.
Pierce Charles
Club: Sheffield Wednesday
Charles, 20, has around 20 Championship starts but enormous potential, attracting interest from big clubs. Blues could sign him now before his stock rises further. Wednesday are keen to extend his contract, which expires next year, but may have to sell following their relegation to League One if a suitable offer arrives.
