Birmingham sign Dael Fry, adding ten Championship seasons

Birmingham City have secured defender Dael Fry on a three‑year deal, making him the club’s first summer signing, as the 28‑year‑old joins St Andrew’s on a free transfer after his contract with Middlesbrough expired. The former England Under‑21 captain logged 296 appearances for Boro over more than a decade, with a brief four‑month loan at Rotherham United in 2015‑16.

Fry brings a decade of Championship experience, having captained Middlesbrough and featuring in their play‑off final defeat to Hull City in May. His leadership on the pitch is expected to help steady a Blues defence that has lacked consistency.

He arrives on a three‑year contract without a transfer fee, giving Birmingham depth at centre‑back while preserving financial flexibility. The free‑transfer nature of the move aligns with the club’s strategy of reinforcing the squad cost‑effectively.

Birmingham’s recruitment already moved forward last month when they converted midfielder Jhon Solis’s loan from Girona into a permanent four‑year deal for an undisclosed fee. That earlier signing signals the club’s broader intent to rebuild the squad ahead of the new campaign.

For Fry, the switch offers regular Championship football and a chance to apply his experience at a club targeting promotion. For Birmingham City, the addition of a seasoned defender adds both quality and leadership to their back line.