As Birmingham City prepares for the upcoming Championship season, strengthening the goalkeeping department is among the club’s top priorities this summer. The position requires urgent attention following a mixed campaign in 2025/26, where James Beadle and Ryan Allsop shared the goalkeeping duties with varying success.
During the season, 21-year-old James Beadle was the primary choice, starting 38 games compared to Allsop’s 12. The defence struggled, managing only 10 clean sheets in 50 matches—eight from Beadle and two from Allsop—highlighting an area that needs improvement.
Brighton & Hove Albion, the parent club of Beadle, will be pleased with how their loanees performed. While 24-year-old Carl Rushworth was the standout keeper on loan at Coventry City, Beadle showed both promise and inconsistency. Despite moments of brilliance—like a double save against Blackburn and a penalty stop versus Sheffield United—Beadle’s overall season reflected the typical learning curve of a young goalkeeper still developing his potential. Notably, he posted a save percentage of 68.5%, outperforming Allsop’s 57.6%.
Ryan Allsop, 34, extended his contract to 2028 despite losing his spot as the first-choice goalkeeper. His distribution skills remain exceptional at Championship level, but doubts around his shot-stopping ability suggest he will primarily serve as experienced backup in the next campaign rather than reclaim the starting role.
At the other end of the spectrum is Brad Mayo, a fellow Birmingham native, who sits on the fringes of the first team. Though 21 years old like Beadle, Mayo has yet to make a senior appearance for the club, despite being included on the bench multiple times last season. His contract is set to expire this summer, and the club must decide whether to renew it or allow him to seek opportunities for senior football elsewhere. Mayo is respected in the dressing room and could be retained as a third-choice goalkeeper if he chooses.
Looking ahead, Birmingham City likely needs to recruit one or two new goalkeepers. Allsop is expected to remain part of the squad, but the club’s immediate focus is on signing a new first-choice goalkeeper to replace Beadle, who may or may not be secured on a permanent deal. Manager John Eustace previously expressed openness to signing Beadle permanently, but with Brighton planning further loan development for him, this may not materialize soon. Should Beadle not return, Blues will look for an experienced Championship keeper familiar with the rigors of the league.
In summary, Birmingham City’s goalkeeping department is on the brink of change, balancing youth development with the need for experience to strengthen their defensive resilience for the season ahead.