Exeter-born Matt Grimes became the highest-valued departure in the history of St James Park after leaving Exeter City for Swansea on 2nd January 2015 for a sum believed to be in the region of £1.75 million.

Grimes was only given a professional contract by City in April 2013, and made his League Two debut on 17th August the same year in a 2-0 win against AFC Wimbledon at St James Park.

Grimes earned his illustrious price tag with commendations from Paul Tisdale, Exeter fans, players and the wider industry after winning Exeter's Player of the Season award and subsequently being chosen in League Two's PFA Team of the Year. The 2014/15 season saw Grimes receive continuous praise from everyone who watched him play. Grimes is currently on loan at Leeds United in the Championship.

Matt Grimes is a testament to the strength and potential of City's youth academy, proving it has the ability to identify and produce high-quality players alongside high values of transfer income.