This article suggests we paid a fee for Donnelly.
https://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/sport/football/hartlepool-united/liam-donnelly-knocks-back-pools-contract-to-seal-scottish-premiership-deal-1-9197418
Liam Donnelly knocks back Pools contract to seal Scottish Premiership deal
Hartlepool United defender Liam Donnelly has signed a deal with Scottish Premiership outfit Motherwell.
The Northern Ireland under-21 skipper knocked back the chance to extend his Pools stay and instead opted to head north of the border to join former Victoria Park teammate Trevor Carson at Fir Park.
Despite Donnelly's deal coming to end this month, Pools still receive a development fee for the player, who was signed by current director of football Craig Hignett from Premier League side Fulham in August 2016.
In a statement released to the club website, the fee changing hands was described as "undisclosed", although Pools are thought to have banked a significant fee due to the player's development during his time at the Vic, especially on the international stage, and down to the number of first team games played by the defender.
The statement reads: "Liam Donnelly has this afternoon completed a move to Scottish Premier League outfit Motherwell for an undisclosed fee.
"The Northern Ireland Under-21 international travelled to Scotland on Wednesday to undergo a medical and now all terms have been agreed to confirm his switch to Fir Park.