Opinion: The time is right for Donaldson to depart

Earlier this evening we brought you the news that Birmingham City striker Clayton Donaldson was told he could leave the club this summer if they right offer comes in for him.

Harry Redknapp is believed to be reluctant to let the Jamaican international forward go but as we understand it, the 70-year-old can’t give Donaldson assurances of first team football next season so he is willing to let him leave on a free.

With all that said, Blues will only let Donaldson go on a free if he can get himself another club all off his own back and providing that the club can bring in a replacement.

This news comes out just days after Blues were linked with French striker Lois Diony from Ligue One.

With the 24-year-old Dijon striker believed to be available for between £3 million and £5 million, Redknapp could well be looking to get Donaldson off the wage bill to make room for a new arrival.

Donaldson has been a fantastic servant to the club and on many occasions he has been the one leading the forward line on his own, under Gary Rowett especially.

Although he had an injury hit campaign last year, the 33-year-old still managed to pitch in with six goals and his return to the team was welcomed at the end of the 2016/17 Championship campaign.

However, at 33, Donaldson may not have much time left playing at such a high level and I believe that this is the right call. If the striker has another injury hit season, Blues could be in real trouble.

Lukas Jutkiewicz seemingly carried the team last season with his 12 goals but if Blues want to achieve a high finish next year then they need to have another striker who can fire in 15+ goals alongside the former Burnley man.

Che Adams showed Blues fans just what sort of potential he has to offer at the back end of last season and I think next year will be the year for him, should he be played in the right position.

I trust in what Redknapp is doing and all I can say for now is…thank you Mr.Donaldson for what you have done for Birmingham City Football Club but now is the right time for you to leave.