Looming Lukas Jutkiewicz’s choice isn’t going to be easy – view

admin | March 8, 2024 | Other Clubs | No Comments

Birmingham City are once more in relegation trouble in the Championship.

The Blues are currently in 20th place, barely one point clear of the relegation zone.

They expected to be in the play-offs by the end of the season under John Eustace. Despite Birmingham’s progress to the play-offs, he was fired by the club in early October.

He was succeeded by England legend Wayne Rooney, however he was fired after only fifteen games in charge, with the club dropping to twentieth place.

Tony Mowbray took over as the club’s third manager of the season in January, however he has taken a leave of absence to seek medical treatment.

Birmingham is now again in a perilous position, and St Andrew’s will be undergoing another transformation this summer.

Lukas Jutkiewicz is one player that may depart this summer.

Jutkiewicz is a modern-day Birmingham icon

Jutkiewicz has been at the club since the summer of 2016, when he came on loan with the option to buy from Burnley.

Birmingham then used their January transfer window clause to sign him for £1 million, with the player signing a three-and-a-half year contract.

The striker joined the club and scored nine goals in his first season, with previous manager Gianfranco Zola praising him for his work ethic and importance to the team.

He did not reach double figures for Birmingham until his third season, which was his most productive yet. He scored 14 goals and assisted ten more, appearing in all 46 Championship games and shining under Garry Monk.

Blues kept up despite being fined nine points for financial malfeasance, thanks to a great relationship with now-Southampton striker Che Adams.

His appearances have decreased in recent seasons, with him starting only about half of the club’s league games over the last three seasons, including this year.

Jutkiewicz scoring will give Birmingham tougher decision

At 34 years old, his contract will expire at the end of the season.

Jutkiewicz has been a tremendous servant for the club, but he has struggled to find opportunities this season. He has been relegated to an impact sub position, starting only three of his 23 league appearances.

On his draw, he demonstrated his abilities in the air and height by beating Alfie Jones and guiding the ball into the back of the net off an Alex Pritchard cross.

The ‘Juke’ has a tendency for scoring big goals, and his aerial prowess can be devastating, especially late in games.

His age will be an issue, but if he can continue to score key goals and help the Blues stay in the Championship for another year, they may have to offer him a one-year contract.

Of course, there are advantages and disadvantages to this, making the upcoming decision difficult.