Swindon Town loanee Sol Brynn is set to open talks over a new contract with parent club Middlesbrough following an excellent season at the County Ground, according to Football Insider.
The promising goalkeeper was given his first taste of EFL action this season after agreeing a season-long loan with the League Two side last summer, following on from loan spells at non-league Darlington and Scottish outfit Queen of the South. It proved to be a wise move for the 22-year-old and he has been an ever-present in a Swindon side which has seen three different managers this season.
Playing in every minute of the League Two campaign, Brynn has earned the plaudits for his performances for the Wiltshire side and was named the club’s Player of the Season earlier this month, adding to his three Player of the Month awards from earlier in the campaign.
Who is Sol Brynn?
Although he is yet to make his professional debut for Middlesbrough, the shot-stopper has risen through the ranks at the Riverside Stadium and had regularly represented the under-18 and under-21 sides prior to gaining first team experience in Scotland.
He was called up to the England under-18 squad in 2018, but had to settle for a place amongst the substitutes as now Club Brugge goalkeeper Josef Bursik was handed a starting berth.
Brynn’s spell in Scotland last season was a successful one and he made 21 appearances for Queen of the South in all competitions before being recalled by Middlesbrough.
His form at Swindon during the first half of this season led to speculation that the Championship side were looking to recall him once again as rumours grew surrounding his future, with a number of Premier League clubs reportedly showing interest. However, the Robins convinced Boro’ to let him see out his season-long deal.
Middlesbrough Working On New Deal?
The youngster has just one year remaining on his current contract at Middlesbrough and Football Insider state that the club are keen to open talks over a new deal in order to keep potential suitors at bay.
Premier League interest may still remain and Michael Carrick’s side are hoping for a return to the top tier after a six year absence. In doing so, another temporary spell away from Teesside could be on the cards as they look to build on the success of his recent stint with a club higher up the football pyramid.
Alternatively, the report states that he could be given the opportunity to impress at his boyhood club, with current first-choice goalkeeper Zack Steffen set to return to Manchester City at the end of his own loan spell following the culmination of the play-offs.
Writer’s View
Sol Brynn looks to be a goalkeeper with a huge future after adhering himself to the Swindon Town fans this season. 22 is a young age for a goalkeeper, but his performances at the County Ground were far beyond his years and he looked more than comfortable between the sticks.
Middlesbrough will know that they have a potential star on their hands and they will be keen to nurture that, either for their own benefit or for financial gain somewhere down the line.
Goalkeepers can draw huge sums of money these days and they will be all-too-aware of his potential sell-on value. However, Brynn is more than capable of the step up to the Championship and should Boro’ fail to gain promotion this season, it is likely he will be handed the number one jersey at the Riverside next season.
As a STFC STH, I personally though Brynn had a decent season, but was in no way close to deserving of the hyperbolic praise he has received this season. No doubt he’s a good shot stopper and reasonable in the area, but he has two major weaknesses in my opinion:
1) His standard starting position is too deep, and he doesn’t dominate his area enough, which can lead to confusion with his defenders.
2) Playing the ball on the floor is so important in the modern game, and Brynn is awful at it. Poor passing technique and every time he had to control a back pass, I’d have kittens.
Overall a decent Keeper, but I’d be amazed if Middlesbrough choose him as a No. 1. IMO League 1 is where he’ll top out.