Birmingham City move to lock down 14-year-old goalkeeper Alfie Smith amid Premier League interest

Birmingham City are moving to secure a new contract for 14-year-old goalkeeper Alfie Smith as the Championship club seeks to fend off interest from multiple Premier League sides.

Smith earned a call for fresh talks after becoming the second-youngest goalkeeper to appear at under-18 level last weekend, keeping goal in Birmingham's 4-3 victory at Fulham. The club, which is co-owned by former NFL quarterback Tom Brady, is working to convince Smith and his family that a pathway at St Andrew's best serves his long-term development.

Smith produced a notable all-round display at Craven Cottage, launching a 70-yard pass just 20 seconds into the match that set up a sequence leading to Birmingham's opening goal. He also made a crucial save in the 87th minute to preserve the win, Birmingham's first of the season at that level. Club coaches have highlighted his composure with the ball and his ability to use both feet; he is listed at 6-foot-1.

The goalkeeper's rapid rise has drawn attention from several top-flight clubs. Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City have all been reported to be charting his progress. Birmingham's academy officials say they regard Smith as a priority prospect and are keen to formalize his future at the club.

Smith's emergence follows a string of milestones over the past year. He was named Birmingham's under-15 player of the season, has represented England at under-15 level and made his debut for Birmingham's under-18s in March, becoming the club's youngest player to do so since Jude Bellingham. In August, he kept a clean sheet for England under-16s in a match against Italy.

Birmingham's head of goalkeeping, Dan Tumelty Bevan, has overseen the development of other young keepers in the academy, including Max Pearce, who has been called up to FA emerging talent identification camps at St George's Park. Club officials see a cluster of promising talent at academy level and are seeking to retain their most highly rated players amid heightened scouting activity from the Premier League.

Smith's teammates have sought to keep the teenager grounded. On the return journey from Fulham, players performed a customary initiation; Smith obliged with a rendition of John Legend's "All of Me," according to club accounts.

Birmingham's approach to contract talks reflects a wider trend among lower-division clubs aiming to secure long-term arrangements for young stars before bigger clubs attempt to lure them away. Officials at St Andrew's have emphasized that clear development plans and regular first-team opportunities remain central to their pitch to players and families.

No deal had been announced publicly as of Wednesday, and Birmingham did not immediately provide further comment. Clubs pursuing Smith have not publicly commented on transfer interest in the youth goalkeeper.

The matter is expected to be handled under the rules governing youth contracts and training compensation, with clubs able to offer scholarships and professional terms at specified ages. Birmingham's efforts to retain Academy talent will likely continue as other clubs monitor progress of Smith and his peers through domestic fixtures and national youth team appearances.