Keeper Bartosz Bialkowski’s permanent switch to his loan club Millwall has been confirmed.
The 32-year-old Polish international had been on a season-long loan at the Den but with both parties keen to tie-up a longer-term switch this window.
In Millwall's case before other clubs look to sign him in the summer - Cardiff and Blackburn showed interest early in the window prior to a deadline for his January recall passed - and Town to gain cash which they could now work with during the final days of the transfer window with a loan, or perhaps two, more likely than permanent additions. It’s understood Bialkowski has signed an 18-month deal at the Den.
In June, Bialkowski came close to joining the Lions on a permanent basis but the move broke down due to concerns regarding the keeper’s knee which emerged during his medical and the £900,000 deal was called off.
A month later the loan move was agreed and Bialkowski has enjoyed a very impressive first half of the season for the Championship side. He has made 29 starts and one sub appearance.
It’s understood the undisclosed fee agreed between the clubs is lower than the one agreed in the summer with an initial sum payable to the Blues now plus further cash over the duration of his contract and add-ons related to appearances and performance. It's likely there is also a sell-on clause included in the deal.
Bialkowski made 177 starts and one sub appearance for the Blues having signed from Notts County in the summer of 2014 on a free transfer.
The 6ft 4in glovesman, who had a short spell on loan at Town in 2009 without making a senior appearance, won the club's Player of the Year gong in three successive seasons before relinquishing the award in 2018/19.