Nuno Espirito Santo has a decision to make on John Ruddy’s future. The 33-year-old has spent the season behind Rui Patricio in the pecking order and is out of contract this summer. If Ruddy is content to stay another year, however, Wolves are better off extending his deal as Will Norris isn’t up to the task of replacing him.
Ruddy joined Wolves from Norwich City in 2017 and has gone on to make 60 appearances in all competitions, conceding 49 goals and keeping 31 clean sheets. The England international was Nuno’s first-choice in his debut season at Molineux, making 45 Championship appearances as they won promotion to the Premier League, but he’s played second-fiddle between the sticks ever since.
Last season, Ruddy made nine appearances across the board but managed only 90 minutes in the Premier League. This season, he’s featured six times in all competitions, none of which have come in the league. Nuno has used the 33-year-old in the EFL Cup, FA Cup and Europa League, but it remains to be seen if that’s enough action to convince Ruddy to stay.
Wolves can’t afford to lose him, however, as Norris isn’t good enough to be backup next season. The 26-year-old joined Ipswich Town on loan and has struggled for form and playing time. He replaced Tomas Holy and made 20 appearances in all competitions but lost his place to the 28-year-old in February after making errors leading to goals.
Norris has another year remaining on his deal at Wolves, but it’s hard to see him having a future under Nuno. Ruddy would be a much better backup, so a new deal should be coming his way. Fans want to see him stay another year, but the decision will come down to the two parties.
