Brentford have secured the long-term future of 18-year-old winger Romelle Donovan for an undisclosed fee after an eye-catching loan spell from Birmingham City.
The teenager has penned a five-year contract, which includes the option of an additional year, after the West London club activated their purchase clause.
Donovan spent the past four months with Brentford B, playing in the Under-21 Professional Development League since initially joining in early February, and has gone on to far exceed expectations.
While ineligible to feature as Neil MacFarlane's side reached the Under-21 Premier League Cup final - losing 3-1 to QPR at Loftus Road - he has excelled in the league, scoring eight goals in 15 appearances.
He concluded a sensational loan with a with fitting individual effort in the PDL National Play-Offs final versus Bournemouth last month, helping to end their opponents 14-game win streak.
Donovan becomes the latest academy product to seek opportunities away from St. Andrew's, following in the footsteps of Jobe and Jude Bellingham in recent years, as well as Ollie Scanlon and Chem Campbell.
His performances at Wheatsheaf Park and the Gtech Community Stadium have drawn attention and has earned him a much-deserved permanent move and first-team promotion.
What to expect from Donovan
Donovan has reportedly been a long-term target of Brentford's and his talent has been documented since he made Birmingham's FA Cup squad to face Forest Green Rovers as a 15-year-old in January 2023.
The 18-year-old's strength is in his speed and ability to beat a man in a one-on-one. Time and time again, he has shown impressively quick feet and acceleration to beat an opponent and get into an advanced area.
His maiden goal against Watford U21s was an immediate glimpse of his qualities as he drove inwards from the left, skipping past defenders, before firing a low-driven shot across the goalkeeper into the bottom right corner.
Goals like this have been a common sight, with the pick of the bunch being a sensational individual run from inside of his own half against Barnsley U21s resulting in a thumping strike in at the near post.
It was his second goal of an eye-catching performance at the Gtech Community Stadium in May, one that earned him a standing ovation upon his substitution, as he tormented defenders all over the pitch.
Despite his slight frame, Donovan holds himself well against bigger players as he uses his body and balance effectively to hold off the opposition before bursting into threatening positions.
He generates a lot of power in his strikes and is developing an impressive showreel for himself, including a 30-yard strike into the top corner during a behind-closed-doors friendly against Gil Vicente in March.
Goal scoring is not the only string to his bow as he been a viable creative outlet, producing numerous assists, including three in one game as the Young Bees beat QPR U21s 5-1 in April.
Donovan steps up with some first-team experience to his name, having made 10 appearances across the Championship, FA Cup, and League One for Birmingham and on loan at Burton Albion.
How Donovan will fit in
Donovan is a player that Thomas Frank has spoken of being impressed by and his versatility will do him a lot of favours as he seeks to break into the line-up.
Capable of playing in all three attacking positions behind the centre-forward in a 4-2-3-1 formation, the teenager provides additional cover while he is afforded time to develop.
His willingness and determination to track back and win the ball will quickly earn him the trust of the coaches and potentially see opportunities arise sooner than anticipated.
The 18-year-old earns a first-team promotion but is expected to continue playing at Under-21 level with the B team while he gains experience in training and substitute appearances.
While there is a lot of excitement around this signing amongst supporters, it is important to manage expectations as he is allowed to develop over time and gradually reach his potential.