Bristol City won the race for Leyton Orient's coveted striker Dom Ballard after securing a £5 million move for the EFL hitman in early August.
The 21-year-old, who has been priced up at 33/1 to win the Championship top goalscorer award in 2026/27, has been one of the most in-demand players in the Football League this summer following his exploits for Orient during the 2025/26 campaign.
His tally of 23 goals in 40 league appearances saw him top the goalscoring charts in the third-tier, triggering a plethora of clubs to seek his signature during the summer transfer window.
The Robins, along with at least four or five other Championship clubs, all showed significant interest in the frontman, with the Ashton Gate club ultimately tying up a big money deal to prize him away from East London.
Ballard's impressive goal return was made all the more eye-catching given the fact that Orient only just managed to salvage their League One status, ending the season one spot above the relegation zone.
As well as being crowned League One's leading marksman, Ballard's solitary season with Orient also saw him named both the division's and club's player of the season.
The former Southampton star rose to prominence at Brisbane Road after undertaking his development during loan spells with Reading, Blackpool and Cambridge United prior to his permanent move away from St Mary's.
"Dom is only 21 years old and already has a proven record of scoring goals," Bristol City's sporting director James Ellis said upon the announcement of Ballard's capture.
"He is powerful, quick and has all the attributes you would want in a striker at this level, and undoubtedly has a big future ahead of him - we're excited to see how he develops over the coming years."
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