Birmingham City signs England U21 keeper James Beadle on loan from Brighton

James Beadle, a highly rated 20-year-old goalkeeper and European Under-21 Championship winner with England, has joined Birmingham City on a season-long loan from Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion. Beadle has extensive Championship experience, having made 57 appearances over 18 months on loan at Sheffield Wednesday, and previously played on loan at Crewe Alexandra and Oxford United. Birmingham City recently secured promotion to the Championship as League One champions and are looking to strengthen their squad, with Beadle expected to compete for the starting goalkeeper position. Brighton's technical director and pathway development team will monitor Beadle's progress during his loan at Birmingham. Beadle expressed his ambition to take the next step and perform at the top end of the Championship following his experiences in the division and at international youth level. His arrival also raises questions about the future of other goalkeepers at Birmingham, including Bailey Peacock-Farrell.