Birmingham City have smashed the League One transfer record to sign striker Jay Stansfield from Fulham.
Stansfield scored 12 goals in 43 appearances during a loan spell at Birmingham last season, but his goals could not keep the club in the Championship.
The striker then returned to haunt Birmingham in Tuesday's League Cup tie, scoring the second goal in Fulham's 2-0 victory at St. Andrew's.
However, that will not be the last time that Stansfield will play at the ground this season because has now completed a transfer to the League One side.
© Imago
Birmingham splashout to sign Stansfield
As per journalist Sam Dean, Birmingham have smashed the League One transfer record to sign Stansfield on the final day of the transfer window.
Birmingham have agreed to pay £15m plus £5m in potential add-ons, with the deal also including a 20% sell-on clause and a £100,000 bonus if Chris Davies's side win promotion to the Championship.
The striker told Fulham's official website that he was keen to complete the move to gain regular first-team football at Birmingham.
Stansfield said: "Hiya Fulham fans. I just want to say a massive thank you for the last five years that I've been at this amazing club.
"I've taken this choice and opportunity to go and play first team football, and taken this next challenge to be able to develop my career, not just as a player but as a person.
"I can't thank the club enough and all the fans, and everyone around the place, for the last five years and for making me into the person I am today. Fulham will always have a special place in my heart, as that's where I've made my home for five years.
"All the achievements that I've made, playing in the Premier League and scoring my first senior goal for such a major club, I can't thank the Fulham family enough for all the opportunities and the love they've given me. I wish you all the best for the future and hopefully, we come across each other again soon."
We are delighted to confirm the signing of Jay Stansfield. 💙
— Birmingham City FC (@BCFC) August 30, 2024
The 20-year-old attacker joins from Fulham for an undisclosed fee and has agreed terms on a seven-year contract.
Stansfield delight to complete Birmingham return
Stansfield has also expressed his delight to return to St. Andrew's after he finished last term as Birmingham's top scorer and clinched all the individual honours at the club's end-of-season awards.
"I am absolutely buzzing. It has been a long time coming, I think," Stansfield told Blues TV. "When I left, from the awards evening, the reaction from all the fans, even though it was a really tough season for Birmingham as a club and it didn't end the way we wanted it to end.
"I thought it was only right for me to come back here and take on this next challenge, and be part of such an amazing club and amazing project."
Stansfield has put pen to paper on a seven-year contract, and he will now look to play a key role in Birmingham's promotion bid.
