Official: Wolves confirm contract extension, club have ‘exercised option’ to extend player’s deal
Wolverhampton Wanderers have confirmed that John Ruddy’s contract has been extended for another year. The Midlands outfit have ‘exercised the option’ to retain his services for 12 more months after his existing deal ran down this summer.
Despite reports suggesting Ruddy wasn’t going to be handed a new contract, Wolves’ decision to keep him isn’t a surprise. The 33-year-old is one of the best No.2s in the Premier League and has been a terrific servant in his three years at Molineux, so Wolves would be foolish to let him go.
That being said, Ruddy’s future was uncertain due to a lack of playing time. There was no question Wolves would want to keep him, but there was a suggestion the experienced goalkeeper might seek a move away to get first-team football.
Since joining from Norwich City in 2017, Ruddy has gone on to make 60 appearances in all competitions, conceding 49 goals and keeping an impressive 31 clean sheets. The England international lost his starting place when Rui Patricio joined in 2018, however, making nine appearances in 2018/19 and six this season.
Nevertheless, Ruddy is an important squad player that Nuno Espirito Santo can count upon in an emergency, so Wolves were wise to keep him for another year.