Bristol City Set to Miss Out on Finley Munroe Amid Championship Rival Interest
Bristol City are expected to remain active in the January transfer market but have suffered a setback in their pursuit of a highly rated young defender.
The Championship promotion hopefuls had been targeting Aston Villa left-back Finley Munroe, though they now appear set to miss out despite having the financial muscle to compete. The Robins are operating with increased funds following Antoine Semenyo’s £65 million move from Bournemouth to Manchester City, a deal that included a lucrative sell-on clause agreed when the winger left Ashton Gate in January 2023.
City have already strengthened this month by adding promotion-winning midfielder Sam Morsy after his stint in Kuwait was cut short, while George Earthy has returned to the club on a second loan spell from West Ham. However, plans to bolster defensive depth—specifically at left-back—may need to be revisited.
According to EFL transfer specialist Pete O’Rourke, Middlesbrough have won the race to sign Munroe. BBC Sport reports that Boro have tabled an offer in the region of £300,000, slightly below the £350,000 bid Bristol City were believed to have submitted. Both clubs had been competing to sign the 20-year-old following his impressive loan spell at Swindon Town.
Middlesbrough’s agreement is thought to include a sizeable sell-on clause that could benefit Aston Villa in the future. Munroe would become Boro’s second signing of the window after midfielder Leo Castledine joined from Chelsea. He is expected to compete with Matt Targett for a starting role and could be fast-tracked into the first team should Newcastle recall Targett amid their injury concerns.
Munroe has attracted widespread interest thanks to his rapid development. A cousin of Arsenal and England star Declan Rice, he began his youth career at Chelsea after being identified by Ashley Cole before joining Aston Villa in 2021. He made his senior debut for Villa in a Europa Conference League semi-final against Olympiacos and also featured in the Premier League against Crystal Palace.
Loan spells have accelerated his progress, including 27 appearances for Real Unión in Spain’s third tier and a standout stint with Swindon Town this season. The left-back has registered two goals and nine assists in 17 appearances, helping Swindon climb to second place in League Two.
Swindon boss Ian Holloway has been full of praise for Munroe, suggesting Aston Villa may regret allowing him to leave and likening his potential to that of Seamus Coleman. Holloway also acknowledged uncertainty over Munroe’s immediate future, with a recall clause deadline approaching.
With Munroe now seemingly heading elsewhere, Bristol City may be forced to explore alternative options as they look to strengthen their squad for the second half of the season.
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