Charlton Athletic transfer action could put pressure on Blackburn Rovers: View | OneFootball

John Ruddy is becoming the subject of considerable speculation this summer

Highlights

It looks as though it could be a period of change for Birmingham City in this summer's transfer window.

Following their relegation from the Championship to League One at the end of last season, you would expect there to be incomings and outgoings from the first-team squad this summer.

That lead to plenty of speculation around the futures of a number of individuals with connections to club, one of which is John Ruddy.

As things stand, the goalkeeper is out of contract with Birmingham City this summer, after two seasons at St Andrew's where he has made 89 appearances in all competitions.

The Blues confirmed in their end of season retained list that they have offered the 37-year-old a new deal.

Now though, it appears as though they could have competition for his services, from one club they are set to be competing with in the third-tier next season.

League One club keen on John Ruddy

According to recent reports from Football Insider, Charlton Athletic have now opened preliminary talks about a potential deal to sign Ruddy this summer.

The Addicks finished last season 16th in the League One table, after an upturn in form following the appointment of Nathan Jones back in February.

As a result, they like Birmingham, will likely have their sights set on winning promotion back to the Championship during the 2024/25 campaign.

It could therefore, be something of a blow for the Blues, if they were to lose Ruddy to Charlton this summer, although the signing of Ryan Allsop at St Andrew's may offset that somewhat.

By contrast, it could be argued that Charlton winning the race for Ruddy, could be more of a concern for a club already set to be competing in the Championship next season, in the form of Blackburn Rovers.

John Ruddy has already been touted for a move to Ewood Park

As far back as April, it was reported that Blackburn themselves are also keen on a deal to sign Ruddy this summer.

Indeed, a new goalkeeper may well need to be on the agenda for the Lancashire club in the current transfer window.

The 2023/24 season saw both of their senior options between the posts, Aynsley Pears and Leo Wahlstedt, make some costly errors over the course of the campaign, as they narrowly avoided relegation to League One themselves.

Given they have seemingly been in the mix for the ex-England man for some time, and can offer the goalkeeper the chance to remain in the Championship, it may be a concern for Blackburn's transfer prospects if they cannot convince him to join them ahead of a move to a side in the division below.

If that was to be the case, it could raise some concerns about getting deals agreed at Ewood Park, especially considering the fact that Rovers themselves are now managed by Ruddy's former Birmingham manager, in the form of John Eustace.

The Lancashire do therefore have a lot that seems to be going for them if they want to sign Ruddy this summer, so there could be some questions if they do not do so, considering their apparent need for a 'keeper.

Of course, there is a point to be made that Blackburn may now feel there are other more suitable targets for them than the 37-year-old between now and the close of the window.

But given Charlton have already brought in one goalkeeper in Will Mannion, if they are able to bring in a second in Ruddy before Rovers get the one they need, that too may raise questions about why deals are not being completed, further adding to the pressure on them in the market.

There is obviously still plenty of time in the window for business to be done, but no club is going to want to be left scrambling late on when their top targets and options have already been snapped up.

With that in mind, those of a Blackburn Rovers persuasion may well be watching the Ruddy situation with a close interest, to see if it gives them some indication about just how the summer may play out at Ewood Park.