Birmingham City agree contracts with teen stars as Kristian Pedersen exits Blues

Welcome to BirminghamLive's coverage of all things Blues on

Maikel Kieftenbeld’s Millwall future remains unclear following publication of the Lions’ released and retained list. However, former Birmingham City winger Connor Mahoney has been released after two seasons at The Den.

Kieftenbeld joined Gary Rowett’s Lions in January 2021 when he signed an 18-month contract that brought an end to his five-and-a-half-year stay at St Andrew’s. He left having made 184 appearances and established himself as a fan favourite with his committed displays, honest interviews – and brushes with Jack Grealish.

Since then he has played 40 times for Millwall, including 29 matches last season – and he was given a warm reception when he returned to Blues as a visiting player towards the end of the campaign. However, with his contract up next month he is yet to agree a new deal with Millwall saying ‘discussions remain ongoing’.

Birmingham City have confirmed the departure of first team players Kristian Pedersen, Jeremie Bela and Connal Trueman. They have also confirmed that five of the club’s Under-23s squad will not be retained.

Defender Renedi Masampu, goalkeeper Archie Matthews, midfielder Oriol Soldevila, attacker Kane Thompson-Sommers and striker Yoane Zohore have also been allowed to leave St Andrew’s.

Trueman’s departure brings an end to a 15-year relationship with Blues, having joined the academy in 2007. However, at the age of 26 he has made just 15 appearances and only two this season having been a back-up for much of his senior career so far.

The news regarding Pedersen and Bela comes as no surprise wit h Lee Bowyer signposting both players’ departure before the season had ended. It has been claimed that Blues made both