Fulham striker Jay Stansfield signs for League One club Birmingham City completing arguably the most stunning signing of the summer 2024 transfer window, for a fee of more than £10m on a seven-year deal
They are understood to have agreed to pay Fulham £10m plus bonuses if Blues are promoted, after the Premier League side had turned down an initial bid earlier on Friday.
Fulham also stand to benefit from any future move after having a sell-on clause inserted into the deal.
And, although the price officially remains "undisclosed", it has certainly smashed the League One transfer record.
Stansfield, son of late former Exeter City player Adam Stansfield, has made 10 appearances for Fulham since joining the west London club in 2019, scoring twice - both in League Cup ties against Blues, the second of them only this week.
He has also spent time on loan back at his dad's old club Exeter before arriving in Birmingham last August.
He scored 13 goals in 47 appearances for Blues in his season on loan, won all Birmingham City's player of the season awards and played under six different bosses - but he could not prevent the club being relegated to League One.
Blues have at least started this season well under new head coach Chris Davies - and are yet lose a league game going into Saturday's home match with Wigan Athletic.
Fulham FC statement: by Geoff Pruce
The Club can confirm that Jay Stansfield has joined Birmingham City on a permanent deal.
While part of the First Team group this season, Jay’s desire for regular first team football, along with the package Fulham will receive, meant that a deal has proven beneficial for all parties.
Following his departure, Jay 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.”
After joining from Exeter City five years ago, Stansfield was prolific for Fulham’s youth sides and was rewarded with a senior debut in a 2-1 FA Cup victory over Aston Villa in January 2020.
His first goal for the Whites came, ironically, at St Andrew’s in a 2-0 Carabao Cup win at the start of 2021/22, with his second and last strike coming in an identical context earlier this week.
Everyone at the Club would like to thank Jay for his efforts over the last five years, and we wish him all the best back with Birmingham.