Matt Murray believes John Ruddy should “try and play” elsewhere next season rather than stay at Wolverhampton Wanderers as Nuno Espirito Santo’s second-choice goalkeeper. The 33-year-old is out of contract this summer and may consider a move away from Molineux to get first-team football.
He told the Express and Star: “I think John has been a really good servant to the club, and he’s a really good guy. People like him will always do their bit. If I was him, would I want to stay? I’d probably say ‘I have had a wicked time, but I’m going to try and play’.
“It’s a short career, and he’s more than good enough to play at a very good level – Premier League, top of the Championship, or maybe even a Celtic. I’d be looking at that if I was him, or maybe somewhere a bit closer to home. If Wolves can convince him to stay, though, you won’t get a better No.2.”
Ruddy joined the Midlands outfit from Norwich City in 2017 and has gone on to make 60 appearances in all competitions, conceding 49 goals and keeping 31 clean sheets. He was a regular in his debut season, featuring 45 times in the Championship as Wolves were promoted to the Premier League, but lost his place when Rui Patricio joined in 2018.
In the last two years, Ruddy has only made 15 appearances under Nuno, one of which came in the league. The England international has been used in domestic cup competitions and sparingly in the Europa League, so he may not want another season on the periphery.
As things stand, Ruddy can leave on a free transfer in the coming months, but Wolves are likely to offer him an extension. The 33-year-old is far too valuable to let go for nothing, but the decision is down to him. Murray believes he’s good enough to be a regular elsewhere, however.
