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Why Birmingham City must sign one of these two quality shot-stoppers to solve their goalkeeping problems

Birmingham City should sign either of Woodman or Foderingham this summer

Last season wasn’t great for Birmingham City, as the team finished 19th in the Championship and had one of the worst defensive records. They conceded 68 goals and reinforcements will be needed.

Garry Monk hasn’t been very active in the transfer market lately. The club was hit with a transfer embargo after failing to fix their FFP situation and the only new signing so far – Kristian Pedersen, hasn’t been registered. Still, everyone involved is hoping an agreement will be reached, so the squad can be strengthened.

Garry Monk

And one area in particular that needs strengthening, is the goalkeeper position. The Blues have left both David Stockdale and Tomasz Kuszczak at home as the squad headed to Austria for their pre-season preparations. Both of the club’s existing senior goalkeepers have been told they can leave St. Andrew’s this summer and Monk is on the lookout for a new first-choice stopper.

Reports suggest that he was considering bidding for either Ben Amos from Bolton or Bartosz Bialkowski from Ipswich. However, Amos was signed on loan by Millwall, so Monk should do everything he can to get the Pole, or look for another option.

Bartosz Bialkowski

Bialkowski, who was a part of Poland’s World Cup squad in Russia this summer, has established himself as one of the most reliable goalkeepers outside the Premier League in recent seasons. He has won Ipswich’s Player of the Season award for the last three years running.

Bartosz Bialkowski

Last campaign was very decent for the giant Pole, who kept 13 clean sheets in 46 matches in all competitions, conceding 61 goals. He’s solid between the posts and has become a fan favorite at Portman Road.

Freddie Woodman

Woodman’s the fourth choice goalie for the Magpies as of today, behind Martin Dubravka, Karl Darlow and Rob Elliot. He is yet to play a game for Newcastle in the Premier League but with so many experienced goalkeepers in the squad, it’s unlikely he’ll get a chance this term. He has actually been on the pitch for the Northerners only once in the past four years.

Freddie Woodman

This happened in January, when he played 90 minutes in the FA Cup tie against Luton Town, which Newcastle won 3-1. Woodman would be keen on a move away from St. James’ Park in order to gain more first-team experience. And Newcastle are willing to let their young goalkeeper leave but only on a loan deal.

Wes Foderingham

Another experienced goalie who became the third choice at Rangers after Allan McGregor arrived. Foderingham won’t be happy with this role and will be looking for a new challenge. Birmingham could give him just that.

Wes Foderingham

Read More: Go for it Monk: This 20-year-old PL speed merchant could solve Birmingham’s goal-scoring woes

The verdict

Especially with the last information around Bialkowski being he was offered a new deal at Ipswich, it seems like it will be hard to price him away from Portman Road. Paul Hurst definitely wants to keep hold of one of his best players.

Monk could pick between Woodman and Foderingham, with both seeming like good options. One thing is for sure though – a new stopper will be needed, because it will be hard for youngster Connal Trueman to carry all the weight on his shoulders.

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