Polish keeper Bartosz Bialkowski is back at Ipswich Town after his proposed move to Millwall broke down this afternoon, as reported by the BBC.
He’d been due to complete a switch to the Championship after being deemed surplus to requirements at Portman Road, but a complication with his medical has led to him returning to the club.
After a fee had been agreed, as well as personal terms, a complication showed up on a long-standing knee injury. Millwall wanted to renegotiate the fee, but Marcus Evans has refused and pulled the plug on the deal.
It now leaves the door open for Birmingham City, another admirer of the 31-year-old.
Lions’ manager Neil Harris is disappointed to see the deal collapse, as he revealed through South London News.
“We agreed a substantial fee with Ipswich for Bart,” said Harris.
“Bart was in my office – paperwork was signed and agreed, terms were agreed with the player. He is fantastic character, a real nice lad.
“Everything was okay with Ipswich and there was a complication with the medical, which has led to complications with the deal. As we stand at the moment, the deal is off.”
The stopper began his career with Gornik Zabrze before a move to Southampton. He struggled to impose himself on the first team at St Mary’s, ending up at Ipswich via Notts County.
He’s made 178 appearances for the Tractor Boys, but is unlikely to add to that.
Our View
This is a shame for Bialkowski, but it’s surely only a postponement of his departure, not a route to remaining at Portman Road.
Ipswich have signed Tomas Holy and are seemingly set for a future without the Polish international. He’ll likely now be the subject of interest from Birmingham City, if they can find the cash to press on with a deal and if they’re still interested after Garry Monk’s departure.
