Birmingham City reveal curiosity deal for 29-year-old Player.
Birmingham City reveal curiosity deal for 29-year-old Player.
Carlton Palmer thinks that extending Keshi Anderson’s current contract was the proper move taken by Birmingham City.
The 29-year-old’s current contract with the team has been extended through the summer of 2026, as the club disclosed earlier this week.
After leaving Blackpool for the Blues in the summer of 2023, the midfield player has been a consistent member of the first team ever since.
Since joining the Midlands from the Seasiders, Anderson has made 28 league appearances, 16 of which have been starts (all data courtesy of Fbref).
After their relegation in the previous season, Birmingham will be hoping he can help the team return to the Championship at the first opportunity this year.
Palmer thinks Birmingham’s decision to extend Anderson’s contract makes a lot of sense because it keeps this season from being disrupted—his previous contract was scheduled to expire in 2025.
According to him, there will be plenty of options available to the League One squad in the summer, which will give them some control over whether or not the player will be needed for the team in the upcoming season.
Palmer said Football League World, “news out of Birmingham is that Keshi Anderson has signed a one-year extension to his contract with the League One pace-setters. This comes fresh off the back of South Korean midfielder Paik Seung-ho agreeing a new two-year deal.”
After ten games, Birmingham leads the league and is playing incredibly well.
The 29-year-old signed a 12-month contract with an option for an additional year when he moved from Blackpool to Blues in June of 23.
However, word has emerged from St. Andrew’s that he has signed new terms to remain till at least the conclusion of the 2025–2026 season.
“I think Birmingham made a wise decision.
Seasonal disturbances are the last thing you want.
“The goal is to get promoted to the Championship, so instead of signing him to a three- or four-year contract, they gave him a one-year extension, giving them the option to not worry about anything during the season.”
He will still just be 30 years old at the end of the season, so if they determine he won’t be able to help the team win the championship, they will be free to let him go.
“He has a year left on his contract, so if they think he can contribute in the Championship, it makes perfect financial sense to lock him down,” the author said.
“He will be a key player for Birmingham this season since he has played in all but one of their nine league games thus far.
“And, as I say, the goal is to return to the Championship. You just want him to focus on the task at hand. What you don’t want is a disruption in the middle of the season or in January when people come in looking for him.”
Birmingham City’s great start to the League One season is demonstrated by their seven victories in their first nine games.
With one game remaining in their schedule, Chris Davies’ team leads the third division standings. Wrexham is in second position.
After the Blues’ first loss of the season against Charlton Athletic last weekend, the difference between them and Mansfield Town, who are in third place, is just two points.
The Midlands team’s next match is a trip to Lincoln City on October 19.
Anderson’s future is now under the control of Birmingham.
Birmingham now has a lot more influence over Anderson’s future because the player is committed for another year.
Palmer makes a compelling argument, namely that the Blues can now determine this summer if they believe the midfield player will help them in the Championship, should they make it there, or if they should sell him.
And knowing he won’t have to worry about potential plans for next year as a free agent provides Anderson with some comfort for the remainder of the season.
This is a wise agreement that benefits all sides and keeps the first team squad focused on getting promoted without any hiccups.