Bristol Rovers will pay Cardiff City up to £150,000 for defender James Connolly, Bristol Live understands, but that figure won't be up front and includes appearance-based clauses.
Rovers completed the signing of the talented centre-back on Friday with Connolly signing a three-year contract after the Bluebirds activated a 12-month option in his previous agreement in order to extract a fee from the Gas.
After an outstanding loan spell, bringing Connolly back was a no-brainer for manager Joey Barton, with the 20-year-old not part of Steve Morrison’s plans at the Cardiff City Stadium. However, the Gas have still had to go through several weeks of negotiations to get him back to north Bristol with the Bluebirds fully aware of his importance to Rovers as they prepare for the League One campaign.
It could prove a considerable bargain, with the full amount - which was published as "undisclosed" - essentially staggered over several seasons and determined largely by how many games Connolly plays and if Rovers secure promotion with him as part of the squad. A win-win situation for the Gas and a small price to pay, in reality, should that occur.
The Connolly-Connor Taylor defensive access was integral to Rovers’ promotion drive and internally the Gas are said to be absolutely delighted to have secured 50 per cent of that partnership on a permanent basis.
A sentiment echoed by Connolly as he said: "I am absolutely over the moon to sign for Rovers. Last year couldn't have gone any better for me, with the way the team performed and also how the fans took to me straight away.
“Now I'm looking forward to getting back to it - it's a step up into League One but we can't wait to carry on where we left off and have another great season."
In truth, the fee looks a bargain given Connolly’s performances last season and his potential ceiling, should he continue similar sorts of progression as what was evidenced in League Two after he arrived, slightly inconspicuously, in January.
Connolly’s signing was announced only by virtue of him appearing in the Gas squad for the FA Cup tie at Peterborough but he went on to become a mainstay of Barton’s defence despite it being his first experience of senior football.
The relatively minimal investment made - effectively what Rovers received for Brandon Hanlan last summer - is emphasised by the length of the contract as Connolly has the opportunity to showcase his talents in League One and over the next two campaigns, before entering what will be his final year, there’s every chance his valuation will rise considerably.
Rovers remain hopeful of reuniting Connolly with his partner of last year, Taylor, but will have to play a waiting game as Stoke City manager Michael O’Neill assesses the 20-year-old over the first few weeks of pre-season.
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