Birmingham City cult hero’s shock release as flop signs deal

admin | June 9, 2024 | Other Clubs | No Comments

Maikel Kieftenbeld, a cult figure at Birmingham City, was caught off surprise when FC Emmen declined to offer him a new contract.

Emmen has released the all-action midfielder, despite him playing prominently for them in the Dutch second tier last season. Kieftenbeld, who is also Emmen’s captain, says he is’very startled by the announcement’ that he will be able to depart when his contract expires.

Kieftenbeld has spent the last two seasons with Emmen, including a brief stint at Millwall following his departure from St Andrew’s in 2021. His first season with Emmen was marred by injuries, but he regained fitness and popularity in the second part of last season. However, at the age of 33, he is seeking for his sixth club.

The future of Blues flop Oliver Burke will be decided in the coming days following a meeting between Werder Bremen management and the forward’s representatives.

Werder Bremen anticipated Burke would thrive in Birmingham, but he failed to produce a goal or an assist in 21 Championship appearances and only made one Championship start after New Year’s Day, a dismal performance against Rotherham that saw him hooked at half-time after being booed by his own fans.

According to German daily BILD, Burke’s future lies away from the team that placed ninth in the Bundesliga last season. Werder’s professional boss, Clemens Fritz, stated in an interview with BILD: “We haven’t spoken yet, but we will contact his consulting agency this week to discuss the future.”

Castillo on the move again

Juan Castillo, a former Blues loanee, has signed for Dutch club RKC Waalwijk after a year away from sport following his release by Chelsea. Castillo has signed a two-year contract with RKC, which finished 15th in the Eredivisie last season.

The former Netherlands youth international spent the first half of the 2021/22 season on loan at Blues before moving to Charlton Athletic in January after playing few minutes at St Andrew’s. Castillo, now 24, has not played a competitive game since February 2022.

Valery set for Championship chance

Yan Valery, another former Blues loanee, is about to get a second chance in the Championship with Sheffield Wednesday. The right-back spent seven games on loan at Blues in 2021 before being frozen out by new manager Lee Bowyer.

Valery relocated to France in 2022 to play for Angers, where he helped the club achieve promotion back to Ligue 1 last season. But, with one year remaining on his contract, Angers are eager to cash in, and Wednesday are at the top of the list.

Danny Rohl, Wednesday’s manager, was a coach at Southampton under Ralph Hassenhuttl when Valery played for the Saints. According to the Star, Standard Liege and Montpellier are also interested in Valery, although Wednesday are the clear favourites.