Dael Fry joins Birmingham City on free transfer

Long-serving Middlesbrough defender Dael Fry has completed a free transfer to Championship rivals Birmingham City, ending a 21-year association with his boyhood club. The 28-year-old centre-back signed a three-year contract with Birmingham on July 3, 2026, after his contract at Middlesbrough expired at the end of June.

Fry, who joined Middlesbrough as an under-seven and rose through the academy, made nearly 300 senior appearances for the club and served as captain. His final match for Boro was the Championship playoff final at Wembley in May, where he led the team in a 1-0 defeat to Hull City. In an emotional farewell message shared on social media, Fry thanked the fans, players, and staff, calling his time at the club a "dream come true" while acknowledging the heartbreak of the playoff loss.

The move concludes protracted contract negotiations between Fry and Middlesbrough. Despite discussions over a new deal, the two parties were unable to reach an agreement. Middlesbrough had a 12-month extension clause in his contract, but it was contingent on achieving promotion to the Premier League. With that condition unmet and the club reportedly hesitant to meet his wage demands, Fry...