£1.2 million for a League One winger shows how much Bristol City valued Callum O’Dowda. They’re not finished paying yet, however.
O’Dowda was with Oxford United since he was nine years old until last Thursday. A 12-year association with the club ended when United felt “compelled” to sell the want-away winger.
The Republic of Ireland international cited illness as a reason not to travel with the U’s to Spain as part of their preseason. Their boss, Michael Appleton felt the 21-year-old’s stance was akin to a transfer request. He told The Oxford Mail:
“To be honest, with the way this week has panned out, it felt to me like he had done that (requested a transfer) anyway, whether he had physically done it or not.
“When we’ve a player who does not want to play for the club and makes it clear what his ambitions are for the season, it’s one where you are backed into a corner.
“In my opinion, I thought the club had no other option. If you have a player who has an ambition to play in the Championship and we are in League One, and a club comes in with a viable offer, then so be it.”
So be it but Oxford were determined to get properly compensated for their academy graduate and first team regular. City have paid £1.2m up front but that fee will rise to £1.6m depending on appearances.
The most significant part of the deal may come if O’Dowda ever moves from City. Oxford insisted on a sell-on clause being included in the transfer contracts. The Mail reports it as”significant” and it is believed to be 30%.
Considering that Wycombe Wanderers are due a multi-million sell-on clause payment from Liverpool, after the sale of Jordon Ibe to Bournemouth, O’Dowda could yet earn Oxford even more money for their 12-year investment.
