Sources: Kristian Pedersen set to quit Birmingham City after offer made
Kristian Pedersen has turned down the offer of a new deal at Birmingham City and looks set to leave this summer on a free transfer, Football Insider understands.
The one-time Denmark left-back, 27, is out of contract at St. Andrew’s next month.
An industry source has told Football Insider he has rejected the offer of an extension as he seeks a fresh challenge elsewhere.
As quoted by Birmingham Live earlier this year (30 April), Lee Bowyer admitted he expected the versatile defender to leave this summer.
However, Bowyer’s own future at Birmingham City remains up in the air.
A source with knowledge of Birmingham’s situation told Football Insider earlier this month (11 May) that Mark Warburton is a leading contender to replace him as manager.
The club finished 20th in the Championship under Bowyer, 10 points above the relegation zone and ended the season on a run of just one win in their last final 10 games.
Whoever is in charge next season will be without Pedersen who has established himself as a key man for Birmingham since his move from Union Berlin in the summer of 2018.
He will end his Blues career with 161 appearances across all competitions, including 37 appearances in the Championship this season.
The Dane also contributed nine goals and seven assists in that time.
A left-back by trade, Pedersen has operated on the left of a back three as well as at wing-back in Bowyer’s 3-5-2 system.
In other news, a source has revealed that an ex-Derby County boss is the leading contender to be the new Blackburn Rovers manager.