Birmingham City have agreed a deal with Premier League side Brentford for the transfer of youngster Romelle Donovan, with the deal expected to be completed shortly.
The League One side have a proud history of developing young talent, with the most recent example including Real Madrid and England star Jude Bellingham, as well as his brother Jobe Bellingham who’s currently at Sunderland in the Championship.
However, despite the Blues being somewhat busy with a new defender joining their ranks, they have also agreed to let one player depart for a new start elsewhere.
According to journalist Darren Lewis via the Mirror, Birmingham City have agreed to loan out Donovan to Brentford until the end of the season – with the Bees then having an obligation to buy the player in the summer.
How has he fared this season?
The promising youngster was loaned out to fellow League One side Burton Albion during the summer, with the expectation that he would kick on and showcase his talents.
However, Donovan struggled to make a lasting impression with the Brewers and was recalled by Birmingham City almost immediately upon the opening of the winter transfer window.
In total, the 18-year-old made nine appearances in all competitions for Burton Albion, with his only goal arriving during a 5-3 defeat against Northampton Town in November.
Is this a good transfer?
Although this on paper may seem a strange transfer to some, Brentford’s ‘B’ team have a proud history of developing talent and the Bees have evidently seen enough of the winger to know he has the potential to be successful.
Although Brentford B aren’t immediately mentioned, the likelihood is Donovan would link up with them and continue his development at youth level.
The obligation to buy means his time at St. Andrews is essentially over and Birmingham can use the money elsewhere in the summer.