West Brom sign Birmingham defender Bielik

Krystian Bielik began his career in England at Arsenal and moved to Derby County for £8m in August 2019

West Bromwich Albion have signed defender Krystian Bielik from West Midlands rivals Birmingham City on a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee.

The 27-year-old Poland international has spent the past three seasons with Blues, having moved to St Andrew's permanently from Derby County in June 2023 following a year-long loan.

During his time with Birmingham, he played 115 games, scored twice and also captained the side.

Bielik suffered relegation from the Championship at the end of the 2023-24 campaign but featured in 32 of Blues' 46 League One games last term as they stormed to the title with a record-breaking points tally of 111.

He has not played in any of Birmingham's three games so far this season though and his arrival will give Baggies head coach Ryan Mason cover in defence with centre-back Torbjorn Heggem set to move to Bologna for £10m.

"Albion are a massive club," Bielik told the Albion website. "When I found out I could play for this team, I was really happy.

"The Championship is one of the hardest leagues, you have to be ready for everything that's coming. You have to be prepared, you have to be fit, you have to be strong physically and mentally."

Albion's sporting director Andrew Nestor added: "Krystian is a seasoned and proven player and, at 27, is in his prime years for a defender. He knows English football well, is experienced and has proven himself as a leader."