Middlesbrough centre-back Dael Fry has left the Riverside Stadium for the first time in his career, signing a three-year deal with Birmingham City after his contract expired at the end of last season.

What happened?

Fry, 28, ended a 21-year spell at his hometown club on July 14, 2026, when Birmingham confirmed his arrival. The Teessider had spent his entire senior career at Middlesbrough, making nearly 300 appearances across two spells. League standing: 5th in Championship, 80 pts, 22W-14D-10L from 46 games, recent form LLDDW.

His departure follows months of contract talks that broke down in the summer, leaving Fry to pursue fresh opportunities. Speaking to Birmingham Live, he said: “I just wanted to try something new, meet new people and step out of my comfort zone a little bit. I do believe that will bring an extra 10 percent out of myself.”

Why it matters for Middlesbrough

Fry’s exit marks the end of an era at a club where he rose from academy graduate to first-team regular. His Championship experience—nearly 300 games for Boro—was a key selling point for Birmingham boss Chris Davies. Goals this season: 72 scored, 47 conceded (+25 goal difference).

The defender admitted the move wasn’t easy, especially leaving family behind. “The first few days were a little bit difficult having to say goodbye to the missus and kids and not return home from training,” he said. But he believes the change will rejuvenate his career, adding: “I feel like I’m only getting better as a player.”

Fry also addressed his injury struggles, limited to 35 starts across the last two campaigns. He credited a stricter regime for his upturn in form last season, saying: “I wrote down a lot of goals on my phone, my notes, and I was making sure I was ticking everything.”

What comes next for Fry?

At Birmingham, Fry joins a side pushing for promotion under Davies, who values his Championship nous. Fry turns 29 next month but insists he’s in his prime. “I could have gone to a team closer to home but I’ve come to Birmingham because of the way he spoke about the club,” he said.

The defender’s focus now shifts to adapting to his new environment, though he insists he’s learned what his body needs. “I know what I need, what I don’t need, what’s good for me,” he added.

Middlesbrough, meanwhile, sit 15 points behind league leaders Coventry and have lost their last four games, including a 1-0 defeat at Hull City on May 23, 2026. Recent form (last 5): 0W-1D-4L (LLLLD, most recent first). Their next fixture is against Espanyol at home on August 1, 2026.