Birmingham City must target Lincoln City gem amid goalkeeper uncertainty: View | OneFootball

Despite possessing a squad that many believed could progress the club forward after Tom Wagner's initial takeover last July, Blues must take a step back to move forward after a season of chaos at St Andrew's @ Knighthead Park.

This relegation will also have further ramifications on the club's transfer business, regardless of who is in the dugout at the start of the season, which isn't the only area that remains uncertain in B9 at present.

Experienced goalkeeping duo still facing uncertain Birmingham City futures

Blues' goalkeeping department has been a long-standing topic of conversation throughout the season, regardless of what division they were going to begin next season in.

Whilst John Ruddy and Neil Etheridge have both been seasoned professionals over a lengthy period of time in the EFL, it still remains to be seen whether the experienced duo will remain at the club next season, although given Etheridge's current estimated wages, it would seem rather unlikely and detrimental towards achieving an overall squad rebuild.

The 80-time Philippines international is said to be on a £17,500 weekly wage as per Capology - the joint-fourth highest at the club this season, but has only played twice all season. Therefore, it would seem a rather ludicrous decision for the club hierarchy to extend his deal for yet another season when finances will take a natural blow after relegation was confirmed.

Meanwhile Ruddy's wage is much more cost-effective - estimated at £8,462 per week - but given his age, would it be feasible for the club to keep him on their books for another season?

When asked by Birmingham Live as to whether his future has been discussed, the 37-year-old stated: “Not really, no. I think there’s a number of players in the same situation with contracts and loan players."

Lincoln City gem should be targeted by Birmingham City

Given the uncertainty that surrounds Birmingham's 'Goalkeepers Union' at present, it feels like a new man between the sticks is required, even if Ruddy is kept on as an experienced back-up.

Although it's likely that the club will have significant funds in comparison to the vast majority of their League One counterparts, the club should look to target some of the best in the division across a number of positions, goalkeeper being one of them.

In that regard, they should look no further than Lincoln City's Danish shot-stopper, Lukas Jensen.

Having signed on a free transfer after his release from Burnley, the 25-year-old continued to improve his development in the third-tier after a successful loan spell at Accrington Stanley in 2022/23, despite their relegation.

After accumulating 10 clean sheets then, Jensen played a significant part in the Imps' campaign this time round, particularly under the management of Michael Skubala.

After a 1-1 draw at Wycombe on January 13th, Lincoln were sat 13 points off the final play-off place, before going on a remarkable run, which in part is down to the Dane's heroics between the sticks.

The following week, a goalless draw with Derby County kick-started a run of 10 clean sheets in 13 League One outings, which included a run of 437 minutes without conceding prior to Adam Phillips' consolation in a 5-1 away demolition of Barnsley on March 9th.

Such an impressive campaign was rightly rounded off with the accolade of Lincoln's Player of the Season, as well as winning an EFL Cup Player of the Round for his starring role in victory over Sheffield United in August, which included two saves in the penalty shootout.

Overall, the concession of less than a goal per game and 19 clean sheets - only bettered by Derby's Joe Wildsmith - showcases his top-level ability at this level, which is something Birmingham will be targeting for a first-time promotion.

Other potential targets for Birmingham City

Whilst Jensen's starring role in Lincoln's eventual narrow miss on the top six makes him a standout candidate to be Blues' number one if they can strike a deal which gives the Imps a profit on their free transfer, there are other potential targets that could help end the uncertainty in this area of the pitch, as well as bringing the average age down significantly.

This includes Arsenal's Arthur Okonkwo, who has been equally as impressive for Wrexham in League 2 this season, keeping 14 clean sheets for the Red Dragons - only conceding 30 goals in 36 games.

The 22-year-old has showcased his ceiling is way higher this season, and with Blues and Wrexham likely to have significant pulling power, both could have their eyes set on acquiring his services next.

Either way, Birmingham should definitely have their eyes set on Jensen, as well as much more lower-league talent in the upcoming summer transfer window.