Blackpool are targeting Birmingham City goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell as they look to reinforce their options between the posts this summer, as reported by Football League World.
The Northern Ireland international is out of favour at St Andrew’s and could be set for a return to League One under Steve Bruce.
Blackpool Eye Experienced Stopper as Squad Overhaul Continues
Sources have indicated that Blackpool are lining up a move for 28-year-old Bailey Peacock-Farrell, who finds himself slipping down the pecking order at Birmingham City following the arrival of England Under-21 goalkeeper James Beadle on loan from Brighton. With Chris Davies opting to use Beadle as first choice and Ryan Allsop as back-up, Peacock-Farrell is now the third option heading into the new Championship campaign.
Blackpool are keen to build on last season’s ninth-place finish and have already brought in several new faces, including goalkeeper Franco Ravizzoli from Wycombe Wanderers. Despite that signing, manager Steve Bruce is seeking further competition and sees Peacock-Farrell as a high-level addition with both Championship and international pedigree.
The former Leeds United and Burnley keeper made 38 appearances during a previous loan spell at Blackpool last season, keeping 12 clean sheets. He began the 2024/25 campaign as Birmingham’s number one but was replaced by Allsop after just seven games and has not featured since a 3-2 win over Peterborough United.
With over 100 senior appearances across the EFL and 48 international caps for Northern Ireland, Peacock-Farrell brings experience and shot-stopping quality. His brief but regular spell with the Seasiders last term is thought to have left a positive impression at Bloomfield Road, and a permanent return is now on the cards if terms can be agreed.
Bruce has made no secret of his ambition to challenge for promotion and sees the goalkeeping department as key to that push. With Ravizzoli already in the building and a second high-profile keeper potentially joining, the Seasiders would be well covered between the posts heading into the new campaign.
Writer’s View
This move makes a lot of sense for both parties. Bailey Peacock-Farrell is a proven EFL goalkeeper who needs minutes, and Blackpool are a club with promotion ambitions that can offer him just that.
His previous stint at Bloomfield Road showed he fits the system and environment, and with Steve Bruce building a robust, experienced squad, this signing would be another smart piece of business.
