Blinksportsnews247Max Bird has signed with Bristol City from Derby County for an undisclosed sum. The midfield player will return to Pride Park on loan for the balance of the 2023–2024 campaign.
Bird was approaching the last six months of his contract with the Rams and was scheduled to depart the League One team on a free transfer at the end of the season after declining a new term offer.
The loan-back clause made it possible for City to negotiate a permanent transfer immediately, securing the 23-year-old for the upcoming campaign and avoiding competition from numerous rival teams in the summer.
“I can’t wait to get started. It’s a great club and I’ve heard a lot of good things about the manager and players so I’m really looking forward to it,” stated Bird, who signed a three-and-a-half year contract with BS3.
“Ashton Gate is a great stadium and it’s always rocking so I’m really looking forward to running out in front of the fans.”
Since joining Derby in the summer, Bird has made 191 appearances for the team. Like his former teammate Jason Knight, who is now a mainstay in the City midfield, Bird has extensive EFL experience, having played in the Championship for three seasons.
A technically gifted, left-footed midfielder with holding versatility, he should make a quick impact in the first team in 2024–2025. However, the recruitment staff may have made a deliberate choice to refocus on that part of the pitch.
Bird looks to be the first step in adding more youth in that department, but he may also replace one of the three midfield mainstays—Matty James, Joe Williams, and Andy King—whose contracts expire in the summer due to uncertainties about their futures.
“We’re delighted to get this deal over the line before the end of the window,” technical director Brian Tinnion said. “Max is a gifted player who has a tonne of experience for his age, and we’re excited to see him play for City the next season.
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