‘Brighton make James Beadle decision as Birmingham City plot move’
Brighton have decided where goalkeeper James Beadle’s future lies amid interest in his services from Birmingham City.
Beadle spent the 2024/25 season on loan with Sheffield Wednesday, maintaining nine clean sheets in 38 Championship appearances.
The England Under-21 international has previously had loan spells in League One and League Two with Oxford United and Crewe, respectively.
Meanwhile, Birmingham are looking to add Championship quality to their ranks after winning the 2024/25 third-tier title with a remarkable tally of 111 points.
Beadle is set to join Birmingham on loan from Brighton
Although Beadle has proven his class at Championship level, he is not yet set to replace Bart Verbruggen as Brighton’s first-choice goalkeeper in the Premier League.
Reporting via the BBC Sport live transfer blog [10 June, 11.40am], Nick Mashiter wrote: “Brighton goalkeeper James Beadle’s loan move to Birmingham is progressing but will not be done before Tuesday’s first deadline.
“The 20-year-old is expected to move to St Andrew’s this summer for a season-long loan.”
Before joining Birmingham City for their upcoming Championship campaign, Beadle will hope to help the England Under-21s retain their Euros title this summer.
Football Insider verdict
Beadle will be a top asset for Birmingham in the Championship
Football Insider initially revealed that Birmingham had agreed a deal with Brighton to sign Beadle on loan ahead of the 2025/26 Championship season.
| James Beadle stats | Championship 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 38 |
| Saves | 83 |
| Clean sheets | 9 |
The England Under-21 shot-stopper is yet to make a senior appearance for the Seagulls, but he has already proven his credentials as a top-quality second-tier goalkeeper.
Even though Sheffield Wednesday witnessed their playoff chances slip away, Beadle proved his class between the sticks throughout the 2024/25 campaign.
His Championship nous could be a real asset for Birmingham, who not only want to survive in the second tier but can trouble the playoff spots under the ambitious ownership of American consortium Knighthead Capital Management.
Blues boss Chris Davies will likely see Beadle’s services as an upgrade on current number one choice Ryan Allsop, albeit the former Hull City man kept 20 clean sheets in 38 League One appearances for the West Midlands outfit.
Birmingham enjoy the attacking services of the likes of Jay Stansfield, while Beadle’s work between the sticks could be an important piece in the jigsaw following promotion to the Championship.