Dael Fry left Middlesbrough in the summer after his contract expired, which led to his move to Birmingham City.

The defender progressed through the Teesside club’s academy system and was a fixture in the squad for a decade.

He made his senior debut in August 2015, starting in a 0-0 draw away to Preston North End on the season’s opening day.

The 29-year-old went on to play nearly 300 times for the club over the next 11 years, including 29 in the Championship in 2025/26, when Borough just missed out on promotion to the Premier League.

Dael Fry’s Birmingham difficulties

Fry moved to Birmingham in the summer after finishing 10th in the Championship under Chris Davies.

The defender had hoped for more opportunities with the Midlands club, but that hasn’t happened yet this season.

The 29-year-old has appeared just twice in the Blues’ first 11 league games, both coming off the bench.

He came in as a substitute in the last stages of 2-1 victories over Wrexham and Derby County, but has not appeared in the team since September 12.

Middlesbrough’s bittersweet Dael Fry emotions.

Fans were bittersweet to see him depart the Riverside after coming through the academy system and serving as a dependable operator for 11 years.

However, the option to pursue more consistent game time elsewhere seemed understandable, especially if the earnings on offer could be enhanced.

But it hasn’t worked out at St. Andrew’s thus far, much to the chagrin and despair of fans.

Fry will wonder if he made the right decision to leave Kim Hellberg’s side, especially given how strongly they have started the new campaign.

Dael Fry’s future lies away from Birmingham.

It was a large risk to take on his career, but it’s safe to say that Fry’s decision to leave the Riverside hasn’t paid off.

Fans will be perplexed by the choice, since he might have kept a comfortable spot in the squad if he stayed, but now he finds himself on the periphery of Davies’ plans.

However, at the age of 29, he can still get things back on track, albeit he will most likely have to do so away from St. Andrews.

Fry signed a three-year contract with Birmingham in the summer, but his lack of playing time means that the Midlands club could be willing to letting him go as early as January, even if just on loan.

The center-back cannot be happy waiting on the bench while Davies’ side is in contention for promotion to the Premier League, therefore a move down the level may be required to gain the game time he seeks.

Middlesbrough has moved on from Dael Fry.

Returning to the Riverside does not appear to be an option for Fry, which exacerbates his situation.

He had possibilities such as West Ham in the summer before deciding on Birmingham, but if he wants to play, he may have to compete farther down the Championship table in the near future.

Because Hellberg’s side can choose among Ash Phillips, Luke Ayling, Adilson Malanda, Alfie Jones, and George Edmundson to play in the back.

Borough have improved dramatically since losing in the play-off final, and they appear to be capable of at least one more promotion run this season.

The club hasn’t missed a beat since Fry’s departure, and Birmingham is doing fine with the defender on the bench.

It puts the former Middlesbrough star in a difficult situation, with a quick exit from St. Andrews the most likely consequence.