Birmingham City agree compensation package as defender completes transfer

Birmingham City agree compensation package as defender completes transfer.

Birmingham City has secured a transfer agreement outside of the window.

Rico Browne, a former Birmingham City youth product, secured a contract with League Two team Walsall following a fruitful trial.

The Saddlers have signed Browne after he declined a new contract offer from St Andrew’s at Knighthead Park to play football for a first team somewhere else. The 20-year-old has agreed to a one-year contract, with Walsall having a one-year option.

Due to Browne’s age and the contract offer, Walsall and the Blues have agreed on a compensation settlement. At Walsall, Browne joined a number of former Blues players, notably George Hall on loan, midfielders Ryan Stirk and Charlie Lakin, and manager Mat Sadler.

When Browne was a member of the Blues’ training squad in Spain in the summer of 2023, that was the closest he got to being a member of the starting lineup. He only played football for the under-18 and under-21 teams.

Last season, central defender Browne played 18 games for the Pics with midfielder Ronan Maher of the Saddlers while on loan at Rushall Olympic in Walsall. Sadler glanced over at Browne as he watched Rushall to see how Maher was doing.

Browne wrote on X following the confirmation of his transfer on Thursday night, saying, “I would like to give a big thank you to all players and staff for my last six years at BCFC.” I hope you have the best of luck, as I have loved every second and adventure we have had together.

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