A reliable goalkeeper can be the defining factor between achieving promotion to the Premier League or enduring another season in the Championship, as Coventry City recently demonstrated.
The key difference between Coventry’s first and second seasons under Frank Lampard was goalkeeper Carl Rushworth. Signed on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion, Rushworth finished the 2025/26 season with 17 clean sheets, securing the Golden Glove and helping earn a promotion winners' medal.
Birmingham City finds itself at a similar pivotal moment this summer. With a squad assembled to challenge for promotion, adding a dependable goalkeeper is essential.
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Last summer, Blues opted for Brighton’s James Beadle, a promising 21-year-old, who experienced the typical ups and downs associated with youth. Now, the club needs to bring in a proven shot-stopper to avoid debates over the number one jersey next season.
Top Championship goalkeepers typically have a save percentage exceeding 70%. Beadle’s was 68.5%, while Ryan Allsop managed just 57.6% according to FBREF. Several candidates on this list surpass that benchmark and could be excellent additions.
1. Matej Vitek (Manchester United)
At 22, Vitek impressed during a loan spell at Bristol City with 12 clean sheets in 41 Championship appearances. His 72% save percentage ranked him among the top eight shot-stoppers in the league. Vitek earned both Bristol City’s Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year awards. He has two years left on his contract at Manchester United, and Blues could face a decision on his future.
2. Mark Cumming (Oxford United)
Despite Oxford’s relegation to League One, 26-year-old Cumming proved to be an effective goalkeeper in the Championship, recording a 70% save rate and eight clean sheets for a struggling side. He is comfortable playing out from the back, aligning well with Birmingham’s style of play.
3. Ronan Patterson (Sunderland)
Patterson, who played second fiddle to Robin Roefs at Sunderland, spent the latter half of the season on loan at Millwall, where he impressed with seven clean sheets in 16 matches. Sunderland reportedly values him around £8-10 million, which may be too steep for most Championship clubs, but he remains a capable option.
4. Jon Palmer (Ipswich Town)
Palmer excelled for West Bromwich Albion in 2024, ranking among the Championship’s top goalkeepers, before moving to Ipswich, where he’s been a backup. At 29, Palmer could bring valuable experience to Birmingham and may look for regular playing time.
5. Illan Meslier (Leeds United)
Though criticized for some high-profile mistakes during the 2024/25 Championship-winning season, French keeper Meslier still kept 21 clean sheets in 39 league games, boasting a 72% save percentage. Currently not playing at Leeds, he is expected to become a free agent this summer.
6. Shaun Charles (Sheffield Wednesday)
Only 20 years old, Charles has already gathered over 20 Championship starts and is seen as a goalkeeper with huge potential. Sheffield Wednesday, now relegated to League One, aims to renew his contract but may entertain offers from ambitious clubs like Birmingham.
Securing a reliable goalkeeper is critical for Birmingham City’s promotion ambitions. These six candidates offer a mix of experience, potential, and proven Championship quality to help the club make the next step.