Bruno Lage is hoping John Ruddy extends his Wolverhampton Wanderers career into a sixth season. Asked whether he would like to keep Ruddy,
Bruno Lage said: “In my opinion, yes. I don’t know what he has in his mind but we need a day to talk about it. I am pleased to have John around us. He’s one more guy that deserves to play much more,” Lage admitted. “John gives a lot of things and is an important voice in the dressing room. He is a leader by example and works hard every day. If Jose is having a fantastic season it is because John is there. John is so important for us and I have no problem saying he deserves to play more, but Jose for now is having a fantastic season.”
Experienced goalkeeper Ruddy joined Wolves five years ago on a free transfer from Norwich City, but he has been forced to play second fiddle in the past four seasons. First Rui Patricio, and now Jose Sa, have kept Ruddy on the Wolves bench. Ruddy’s future will come under the microscope once more in June when his latest contract expires. According to Lage, Ruddy remains an “important voice” in his dressing room and Wolves will do everything within their power to keep him.
Ruddy, 35, has appeared in four matches in cup competitions for Wolves this season. He kept clean sheets against Nottingham Forest and Sheffield United, while he excelled in Wolves’ Carabao Cup tie with Tottenham Hotspur in September. Championship suitors will be in no short supply for Ruddy, who was extremely impressive as Wolves stormed to the second tier title in 2017/18. But Lage hopes one of Wolves’ standard setters sticks around for at least another year. Ruddy is one of four experienced players out of contract at Wolves this summer, with Romain Saiss, Marcal and Joao Moutinho the others. Wolves have opened talks with Saiss, and Lage is desperate for Moutinho to stay. Meanwhile, Brazilian defender Marcal is reportedly closing in on a return to Brazil with Botafogo.
