“I think his days at Birmingham City are done” – Blues face big decision involving 26-year-old: The verdict | OneFootball

This article is part of Football League World’s ‘The Verdict’ series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Birmingham City face a decision on what to do with Sam Cosgrove.

The 26-year-old striker’s contract expires in the summer and the Blues will need to decide whether to renew the contract or let him go.

He’s enjoyed a fine stint at Plymouth Argyle on loan this season, scoring eight and recording one assist as he aims to help guide Steven Schumacher’s side to promotion from League One.

So, John Eustace faces a tricky decision, keep Cosgrove or move him on?

A selection of writers from FLW have offered their thoughts on the dilemma…

Ben Wignall

I think the ship could have already sailed at Birmingham for Cosgrove despite his decent form for Luton.

It was always a gamble for Birmingham taking a punt on a Scottish Premiership striker, and in his 14 appearances for the Blues in the Championship he didn’t exactly do much.

Going off his form at Plymouth this season, it appears he has found his happy place and somewhere that fits all parties, and he will probably be hoping that the Pilgrims make a permanent move for him in the summer regardless of what division they are in.

Whilst I believe that Cosgrove could have a role to play in the second tier with Plymouth, I think his days at Birmingham City are done and both the player and the club should look to move on this summer, despite City’s current strike-force being an ageing one.

Toby Wilding

You do get the feeling that Birmingham may need to think about giving more opportunities to Cosgrove next season.

Given the form he has enjoyed during his time with Plymouth, it does seem as though the striker will be going into a season with some sort of confidence and momentum for the first time since he made the move to St Andrew’s.

That ought to be something that Birmingham need to take advantage of to start to get a return on their investment in him, especially given Troy Deeney is out of contract at the end of this season, with both he and Lukas Jutkiewicz seemingly approaching the latter stages of their careers.

Indeed, with uncertainty continuing to hang over the club with regards to the potential takeover, it remains to be seen what level of funds will be available for the transfer window. As a result, if they are to oversee something of a turnover in attack, it could be that Cosgrove is one of those they need to be thinking about turning to.

Sam Rourke

It’s a really tricky one this.

Cosgrove has enjoyed a fine season season at Plymouth Argyle this term, notching eight goals and one assist, and is starting to showcase the form as to why Birmingham signed him from Aberdeen in the first place.

He’s struggled to really cement himself in the Blues team since arriving but I’m convinced there is a player in there and with Lukas Jutkiewicz and Troy Deeney both not getting any younger, there could be room for Cosgrove to be given a chance next season.

However, I do strongly believe Plymouth may well look to sign up Cosgrove on a permanent deal in the summer, especially if they achieve promotion to the Championship which they are seemingly on course to do.

He’s enjoying his football at Home Park and as he enters the peak years of his career, he’ll be wanting assurances next season that he’ll be getting regular minutes.