Blues have signed Max Bird from Bristol City, for an undisclosed fee.
The midfielder has penned a three-year deal at St. Andrew’s and goes straight into the squad for Saturday’s Championship opener at Sheffield United.
Bird clocked up 200 appearances for Derby County – 162 in the Championship – where he became a League One promotion winner and firm fans’ favourite.
He moved on a permanent deal to Ashton Gate in January 2024 (he was loaned back to Derby for the remainder of that season) and maintained a reputation as one of the Championship’s premier talents.
In his first full season for the Robins he appeared in every league game, contributing eight assists, in a campaign that saw them reach the play-offs. They fell to defeat to Sheffield United in the semi-finals.
Bird’s participation in the early parts of last season was restricted by injury, but the 25-year-old returned to the fold with aplomb.
“We’re delighted to have brought Max to the club,” said Blues manager Chris Davies. “He brings a significant amount of Championship experience and has been part of teams that have enjoyed success.
“He’s also captained Derby on several occasions, so he brings leadership qualities and a good understanding of what is required to compete consistently in this league.
“On the pitch, Max can contribute at both ends. He can break up attacks and win the ball back, but he can also create scoring opportunities and contribute offensively with the way he passes forward.
“He gives us versatility in an important area and has a really good profile for what we need. We’re delighted to have him on board and we’re looking forward to working with him.”
The fee is understood to be £2.2 million for Bird who, born in Burton-upon-Trent, was actually in Blues Academy as a young boy before moving to Derby as a 10-year-old.
He rose through the ranks for the Rams, making his first team debut at 16.
Bird is a noted as an intelligent, creative central midfielder who can get about the pitch. He is capable of playing in the more advanced number 10 role, but is best suited to a deeper-lying position.
Blues have had a long-standing interest in Bird. When Wayne Rooney was in charge, he was keen to sign Bird and the club have kept tabs on him all throughout his Derby and Bristol career.
