Go Ahead Eagles see Willum Willumsson leave for record amount

Willum Willumsson has left Go Ahead Eagles. Less than a week before the first leg in the preliminary round of the Conference League, the club announced that the Icelander has been sold to Birmingham City for a record fee. According to The Telegraph the amount involved is four million euros, excluding bonuses.

Willumsson (25) made the switch from BATE Borisov to Go Ahead Eagles in 2022 and made 62 appearances for the Deventer team in two seasons. The attacking midfielder, who was contracted until mid-2026, scored fifteen goals and provided six assists.

“Go Ahead Eagles would like to thank Willum Willumsson for his efforts over the past years and wish him every success at his new club,” writes Kowet on the club website. Willumsson will play his matches in League One next season. Birmingham City were relegated from the Championship last season, but hope to return to England's second tier within a year.

The previous record amount was 1.5 million euros. That amount was paid for both Rommens and Jan Kromkamp. The latter left for AZ in 2000.

For Go Ahead, the grapes are sour. After the club previously saw captain Bas Kuipers leave for FC Twente, another star player, Philippe Rommens, also opted for a new challenge. The midfielder signed with Ferencváros, coached by Pascal Jansen.

In addition, successful coach René Hake left, who could not resist the lure of Manchester United and was recently presented there together with Ruud van Nistelrooy as Erik ten Hag's new assistant coach.

Go Ahead did manage to sign three players this summer. The recently injured Julius Dirksen came over from FC Emmen, while Mathis Suray was bought from FC Dordrecht. Finally, Calvin Twigt decided to swap FC Volendam for an adventure in De Adelaarshorst.

Birmingham City also secured the arrival of Emil Hansson earlier this transfer period, who came over from Heracles Almelo.

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