Why there is a hold-up to Birmingham City, James Beadle transfer - Sheffield Wednesday mentioned | OneFootball

Blues' loan delay explained: Sheffield Wednesday are still involved

Birmingham City are closing in on the loan signing of highly-rated England Under-21 goalkeeper James Beadle from Brighton & Hove Albion.

The 20-year-old stopper is set to become Chris Davies’ latest addition as the Blues prepare for life back in the Championship following their record-breaking League One title win.

Beadle, who has already impressed across multiple EFL loan spells despite his age, is widely regarded as one of the brightest young goalkeepers in the country and has been tipped by many to eventually become England’s number one.

Why Birmingham City have been made to wait for James Beadle

Despite an agreement being reached with Brighton for a season-long loan, however, Beadle's move has been held up due to a short-term technicality involving his former loan club, Sheffield Wednesday.

Beadle remains officially registered as a Wednesday player until the end of June, following the conclusion of his season-long loan at Hillsborough.

That deal does not expire until the end of the month, which means Birmingham must wait until July to formally confirm his arrival. It's a common delay for summer loans, especially for players who spent the previous campaign at another EFL club.

Mike McGrath of The Daily Telegraph reported on X:

With Brighton satisfied Beadle will benefit from another full season of first-team football, and Wednesday no longer in contention to keep him, the move is all but confirmed - fans at St Andrew’s will just have to be patient for the official announcement.

James Beadle’s rapid rise continues after standout EFL loans

Beadle is no stranger to the Football League. Having come through the academy at Charlton Athletic before joining Brighton in 2022, the London-born keeper has already enjoyed a string of productive loan spells to accelerate his development.

He gained initial senior experience with Crewe Alexandra and Oxford United before stepping up to the Championship with Sheffield Wednesday in January 2024.

At Hillsborough, Beadle played a crucial role in helping Danny Röhl's side secure Championship survival in the 23/24 season. He impressed with his shot-stopping and composure in the high pressure run-in, returning to S6 again last summer for a second loan stint.

Over the course of the 2024/25 season, he made 38 appearances in all competitions for the Owls, who ultimately finished 12th.

Currently representing England at the Under-21 European Championship, Beadle’s profile continues to rise.

Tipped by many as a future England No.1, the 6ft 4in keeper will now battle Ryan Allsop for the Blues' starting spot, with fellow former Wednesday loanee Bailey Peacock-Farrell likely to move on.