Relegated Championship side Birmingham City are reportedly nearing an agreement on a new contract with Lukas Jutkiewicz, a former striker for Coventry City and Swindon Town, as per Birmingham Live. The 35-year-old forward, who has made 330 appearances for Birmingham over an eight-year tenure, is set to extend his stay despite concerns about his age and the impending expiration of his current deal.
Jutkiewicz began his senior career at Swindon Town and has since played for numerous clubs, including Everton, Plymouth Argyle, Huddersfield Town, Motherwell, Coventry City, Middlesbrough, Bolton Wanderers, and Burnley. He initially joined Birmingham City on loan in 2016 and secured a permanent transfer six months later during the winter transfer window.
Despite a noticeable decline in his on-field impact in recent years, Jutkiewicz’s off-field contributions, particularly his leadership and experience, remain invaluable. His extensive experience and nearly 100 goals in the second tier of English football suggest he can still be a significant asset for Birmingham City as they aim to return to the Championship after a disappointing season. His presence could be crucial for a team seeking to rebuild and regain its footing.
Given his age, it is likely that Birmingham City will offer Jutkiewicz a one-year contract. However, if he maintains his fitness, he could continue playing well into his late 30s, following the example of players like Jamie Vardy, who is set to play past his 38th birthday at Leicester City in the Premier League.
Birmingham City are considered favorites to win League One next season by several pundits, as they strive to quickly return to the Championship. The club aims to avoid the prolonged stays in the third tier experienced by clubs like Portsmouth, Derby County, and Ipswich Town. With Jutkiewicz’s potential contract extension, Birmingham City hopes to leverage his experience and leadership to achieve their goal of bouncing back to the second tier swiftly.
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