New Birmingham City transfer twist emerges - it may impact James Beadle move | OneFootball

Birmingham City have made an approach for Real Oviedo goalkeeper Aaron Escandell to become Blues' new number one

Birmingham City remain one of the most ambitious clubs in the entire EFL, especially since Tom Wagner and Tom Brady assumed control of the club, as Chris Davies’ side set their sights on another promotion push next year with some key additions this summer.

Birmingham are a club on the up, by their own admission, and it would be difficult to deny that is the case based on their recent league finishes and everything going on behind the scenes at the club.

A new state-of-the-art 62,500-capacity stadium is in the works, whilst over £50 million has been spent on the playing squad in the last two years alone, culminating in an 111-point record finish in League One in 2025, and a 10th-place finish in the Championship last time around.

Dael Fry has joined on a free transfer from Middlesbrough, whilst Jhon Solis’ loan move from Girona has become a permanent switch for around £6 million, as Birmingham look to return to the Spanish market once more to address a key position.

Birmingham City are interested in Real Oviedo goalkeeper Aaron Escandell

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Starting between the sticks last year at St Andrews was Ryan Allsop, having impressed during his time as Davies’ number one in League One, though he would eventually lose his position to Brighton and Hove Albion loanee James Beadle.

Beadle, 22, made 35 Championship appearances on loan from the Seagulls, and largely impressed, as Birmingham have reportedly made their interest in bringing the England youth international back to the club this summer known, but face competition from Bolton Wanderers.

It goes without saying that Blues need a new safe pair of hands between the sticks heading into next season, and now, according to Radio Televisión del Principado de Asturias, are interested in Real Oviedo shot-stopper Aaron Escandell.

Escandell, 30, has spent time with the likes of Granada, Cartagena, Las Palmas, and most recently Real Oviedo across his career, and although he suffered relegation from La Liga last season, heavily impressed between the sticks.

According to FotMob, Escandell prevented 5.96 goals more than expected across last campaign, making the most saves in the division (148), and completed 821 passes, showing his capability of playing out from the back.

Certainly, a goalkeeper's main job is to stop balls from hitting the back of the net, and he has proven he is an excellent shot-stopper at a high level, with his ability to play out from the back an attractive bonus.

Carlos Vicente was signed from Deportivo Alaves in the January window, and now, with Solis through the doors, Blues are looking to take advantage of the Spanish market once again with a swoop for Escandell.

The Spaniard has a reported €5 million (£4.2 million) release clause in his contract, which is not an insignificant amount for a 30-year-old goalkeeper heading to a second-tier side, though Birmingham likely won’t struggle to pay it, and this saga could be one to keep an eye on.

Chris Davies must prioritise a new goalkeeper this summer amid Aaron Escandell links

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With Escandell entering Birmingham's crosshairs, a new number one is certainly next on Davies' shopping list.

A loan return for Beadle is not out of the question just yet, but with the Spaniard now entering the frame, it suggests Davies is widening his scope of options between the sticks for the Blues.

He will be as aware as anyone of how a safe pair of hands can elevate a team and help them get over the line in games, whereas an average or below-average shot-stopper couldn't.

Whether Escandell is the person to take Blues to the next level remains to be seen, as he could be on the verge of making his first move abroad in his career to date.