Motherwell have completed a lucrative transfer deal, selling their star striker Theo Bair to French Ligue 1 club Auxerre.
The Canada international has joined the French side for a reported fee of around £1.6 million, displaying a remarkable turnaround for the young forward, who 12 months ago struggled to score a single goal from 38 appearances at previous club, St Johnstone.
Motherwell manager Stuart Kettlewell even faced criticism for bringing Bair, who scored to the club last summer. And you could say it wasn't until beyond the New Year where the Fir Park boss began to see his decision pay off.
The 24-year-old talisman hit 13 goals in the final 18 games of last season for Motherwell, prolific form which earned him a place in the Canada squad for the Copa America, where he featured in the third-place play-off on Saturday, and ultimately has seen him move to a top five European league.
“My time at the club has been unbelievable,” Theo Bair said upon his Motherwell departure.
“These have been some of the most enjoyable moments of my career. I love this club and I will always be a supporter. I wish everyone nothing but the best!”
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Motherwell revealed the news in a statement which read: "Theo Bair has joined Ligue 1 side AJ Auxerre for an undisclosed fee.
"Arriving at the club 12 months ago from St Johnstone, Bair scored on his debut for the Steelmen on the opening day of the season against Dundee.
"Leading the line as the only fit striker at the club, the Canadian began to work harder than ever before behind the scenes to improve.
"That work began to pay off when his season sparked into life after he scored a double against Livingston at Fir Park in December.
"From then on, Bair never looked back and helped Motherwell’s push for top-six by scoring 15 goals in the Premiership, including six assists. Scoring at Ibrox in the ‘Well’s first win over Rangers in Glasgow since 1997, Bair earned a call-up to the Canadian national side for the first time in four years.
"His achievements seen him named Motherwell’s Player of the Year, Motherwell Top Goalscorer and in the PFA Team of the Year.
"Bair was named in Canada’s Copa America squad, where they subsequently reached the semi-finals. The forward earned his third cap, and first in four years, in the 3rd place playoff match against Uruguay."
