What looked to be a good deal for Birmingham at the time, actually turned out to be a great one for West Brom.
They are two of three teams that contest in what is known as the West Midlands derby, along with Aston Villa.
The two sides have both been in and out of the Championship for the last 15 years, with West Brom having had the better of it with a lot of years spent in the Premier League.
Both teams have also shared a number of players over the years, but few have ever made the move from one to the other, especially in recent times.
But when it has happened, the selling club will be hoping they get the better out of the deal, especially if it hinders their rivals further down the line.
The first player that comes to mind is that of Jonathan Leko.
Leko tipped for big things at the Hawthorns
Leko had come through the academy at West Brom, having been at the club since the age of 11.
He was highly rated at youth level, and according to the Baggies’ academy manager Mark Harrison, he had shown an understanding of the game and had considerable creative ability by the time he was at U14 level.
The youngster had impressed so much that at the age of 16, he was included in the team’s pre-season tour in 2015, even making an appearance in a game.
In the 15/16 season, he would go on to make his first team debut, and Premier League debut. He would also become the first player born in 1999 to start a Premier League game. At the end of that season, he would sign his first professional deal.
After making nine Premier League appearances the following season, he was then loaned out to Bristol City in the Championship in 17/18. But after 11 goalless appearances, he was recalled in January 2018.
His time at West Brom was falling away. He would make just three appearances in the Championship in 18/19 for the Baggies.
He then joined Charlton Athletic on loan for the 19/20 season, but suffered an ACL injury just before Christmas, that ruled him out for the rest of the season.
This spelled an end to his time at West Brom, and he then left to join Midland rivals Birmingham City in August 2020, for a reported fee of £1 million.
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