Birmingham City rival Bolton Wanderers for Brighton player | OneFootball

James Beadle is reportedly of interest to Blues in the loan market once more

The summer transfer window has proven to be a slow burner for many Championship sides so far, especially due to the ongoing FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Despite this, Birmingham City have still been able to complete two transfer deals thus far, and Chris Davies will be hoping that a snowball effect in the market occurs sooner rather than later as he looks to strengthen and reshuffle his pack at St. Andrew's @ Knighthead Park.

Indeed, Jhon Solis was the first through the door in B9 after the opening of the window midway through June, with the combative Colombian midfielder penning a four-year contract after a £6m option-to-buy within his January loan switch from La Liga side, Girona FC, was exercised.

Birmingham then added the extensive Championship experience of 28-year-old centre-back, Dael Fry, to their ranks last week after the towering defender was unable to agree fresh contract terms with his boyhood club, Middlesbrough.

Davies has since reaffirmed to Blues supporters just exactly what type of attributes he will be looking for in any forthcoming new signings, especially in an outfield position, as well as stating that Championship experience may not be required depending on the calibre of player.

However, shortly after a 3-1 success against League One Huddersfield Town, in Portugal on Friday afternoon, it has now emerged that the 41-year-old could be reuniting with one of last season's short-term recruits.

Birmingham City plot potential James Beadle, Brighton loan reunion after goalkeeper admission

Action Images

Indeed, it has been reported by Alex Dicken of Birmingham Live that Blues could reunite with their former Brighton and Hove Albion loan goalkeeper, James Beadle, for a second time.

A report from the publication states that the West Midlands outfit are in talks with the Premier League side over the possibility of striking a deal, which would bring the 21-year-old back to Championship level for the fourth season in a row.

Indeed, Beadle had spent over one year with Sheffield Wednesday on loan from the Seagulls between 2024 and 2025, before moving to Birmingham and eventually taking the 'number one' role over Ryan Allsop last October, debuting in a 1-1 draw against Wrexham.

Overall, the man who kept goal during the England Under-21s UEFA European Championship victory last summer kept eight clean sheets in 38 appearances for Birmingham, who ended the season in 10th place.

Such news also comes after Pete O'Rourke of Football Insider claimed on Thursday evening that the London native was of interest to newly-promoted Bolton Wanderers.

Meanwhile, it was also revealed back in January by Football League World's sister publication, GiveMeSport, that a permanent move for Beadle was going to be discussed at the end of the season, although Davies recently revealed how he would look to add to his goalkeepers union.

“Are we going to have money to invest? It’s probably going to be more needed at the top end of the pitch. We’re more budgeting for a free or a loan in the goalkeeper position this season," he said.

How Birmingham City fans are feeling about potential James Beadle reunion

Action Images

Ultimately, this is a transfer link which has already split opinion given Beadle's record last season and recent reports stating that Blues missed out on a free transfer for Illan Meslier, who has moved to Arsenal.

One supporter clearly took an in-depth view into the link, claiming: "He was better at the end of the year & shot stopping's superb. But theres glaring issues in his game. Kicking, Rushing out, Corners, Pushing ball into danger. Look at young Hart, Foster, Sarkic (RIP), Butland & they all felt way more rounded. Beadle's skillset feels v. lopsided."

Another welcomed the idea of reuniting, but not in the way the deal has been reported, stating: "I mean joking aside if it's a perm(anent) then yh (yes) prob(ably) worth a punt . But another loan ? We ain't learning are we."

One Blues fan made their stance firmly clear with the response of: "No thanks. Surely there’s a better option out there. This seems very lazy to me."

This opinion was quickly backed up, with another comment reading: Cost us at least 8-9 points last season, don’t like this at all," although another supporter attempted to remind them: "On the other hand he probs also gained us a few points in other games"

Another fan hopes to see more of the aforementioned Allsop instead, replying: "My opinion, Allsop is a better keeper and his distribution is better than Beadle's."

And, given the links to Bolton, one Bluenose made the simple comment of: "Bolton, please get him in before we do."