Upson signs for busy Birmingham
Wednesday, January 22, 2003
Article summary
Birmingham City FC have clinched their sixth signing in three weeks in Arsenal FC's Matthew Upson.
Article body
Birmingham City FC have finally agreed a deal to sign Arsenal FC defender Matthew Upson.
Lengthy process
The Midlands club had made an offer to bring the player to Saint Andrews on New Year's Day but Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger was reluctant to part company with the 23-year-old. Leeds United AFC were also reportedly interested in the player, but Upson has today agreed to move to Birmingham.
Fee could rise
It is understood Arsenal will receive an initial €1.5m which could rise to around €4.5m depending on appearances and City's success. Upson began his career with Luton Town FC, making his debut in the 1996/97 season before joining Arsenal that same season. He has struggled to hold down a regular first-team place and went on loan to Reading FC earlier this season.
Six signings
Upson will become Birmingham's sixth signing since the transfer window reopened at the start of the month. Manager Steve Bruce has also signed Piotr Swierczewski, Christophe Dugarry, Jamie Clapham, Stephen Clemence and Ferdinand Coly in the hope of maintaining their Premiership status.
