Brighton have protected the future of highly rated goalkeeper James Beadle by handing him a new four-year contract before sending him back to Birmingham City.
The 22-year-old will spend the 2026/27 campaign on loan at St Andrew’s. It will be his second successive season with the Championship club.
Brighton confirmed the double announcement on Friday, extending Beadle’s stay at the Amex before approving another temporary departure. The length of the contract underlines Albion’s continued belief in his potential.
Beadle made 38 appearances for Birmingham last season and kept eight clean sheets. He has now played 132 senior matches following previous loans with Crewe Alexandra, Oxford United and Sheffield Wednesday.
Brighton protect Beadle’s long-term value
Sporting director Mike Cave said Brighton rate Beadle highly and wanted to secure his long-term future. A return to Birmingham gives the goalkeeper another full season in familiar surroundings.
Regular Championship football should offer greater value than remaining behind Bart Verbruggen and Jason Steele at the Amex. Beadle can continue his development without Brighton losing control over his future.
His new deal also arrives while Albion consider their wider goalkeeping plans. Brighton face a separate decision over Carl Rushworth, with Newcastle United and Coventry City interested in signing the 25-year-old.
Beadle joined Brighton from Charlton Athletic in 2022 and has gained extensive EFL experience without making his competitive first-team debut for the Seagulls.
The latest agreement gives him time to strengthen his claim for a future role under Fabian Hürzeler. Brighton can assess his progress again next summer with the goalkeeper tied to a lengthy contract.
Another successful campaign at Birmingham could leave Albion with either an improved first-team option or a valuable asset attracting permanent interest.
