Charlton today snapped up Chris Perry for just £100,000 - four years after Tottenham shelled out £4.5million to sign him from Wimbledon.
The centre-back, on loan at The Valley since September, has been a key figure in the Addicks' surge into fourth place in the Premiership table. Perry has played eight league games and finished on the losing side only once.
The 30-year-old's permanent switch to The Valley means Spurs have lost 98% of the fee then-boss George Graham paid for him in March 1999. Perry, whose move is allowed outside the transfer window as his loan began during the summer window, would have been out of contract at White Hart Lane at the end of the season.
He recently revealed the only times he had spoken to Tottenham since September were to extend his month-by-month stint at Charlton.
"I've enjoyed myself since arriving at the club," Perry said today. "I've felt very welcome and I'm glad to have sorted my future out.
"We've made a good start to the season and I'm looking forward to a successful time here."
Charlton boss Alan Curbishley added: "I'm delighted Chris has signed for us. He's done very well here and I hope that continues."
Perry made his name at Wimbledon but his career stalled at Tottenham. He was loaned to Charlton in a deal which involved left-back Paul Konchesky moving in the opposite direction. That arrangement remains in place.
Perry is expected to line up against Leeds at The Valley tomorrow.