Birmingham setback revealed in Jeremie Bela and Krystian Pedersen contract talks

Birmingham City technical director Gary Gardner has revealed that talks have been held with both Jeremie Bela and Krystian Pedersen over new contracts but that both players “did not like the figures we put to them”. 

The pair have been regular fixtures under Lee Bowyer this season but are out of contract this summer meaning they’re set to walk away as free agents if new terms cannot be agreed.

Their futures were among the topics discussed in a Q&A at Meadway Sports and Social club last night, which saw Gardner and club captain Troy Deeney answering fan questions.

According to Birmingham Live, it was revealed that talks have been held with both Bela and Pedersen over new contracts.

However, Gardner indicated that the Blues had been handed a setback concerning new deals for the duo.

He said: “They did not like the figures we put to them – fair enough.”

Bela has been one of Bowyer’s key creative assets this season and impressed after being converted into a left wing-back – providing the most assists of any player in the squad.

The Frenchman joined from Albacete on a free contract in 2019 and has provided eight goals and 18 assists in his 98 appearances since.

The shift to a back three has seen Pedersen used as a centre-back this term but, as he has been since his arrival in 2018, he has remained a consistent part of the starting XI.

In all, the Denmark international has made 152 appearances for the Blues – scoring seven times and providing seven assists.

The Verdict

While it’s good that talks are been held with Bela and Pedersen, that they’ve both rejected the terms offered is a setback.

There isn’t a huge amount of true quality in the Birmingham squad but the out-of-contract duo have been among the most consistent