Bristol City Set to Miss Out on Finley Munroe Amid Championship Rivalry
Bristol City are likely to remain active in the January transfer window, although their pursuit of a highly regarded teenage defender has been hampered.
The Championship promotion contenders had targeted Aston Villa left-back Finley Munroe, but they now appear to have missed out despite having the financial resources to compete. The Robins now have more finances after Antoine Semenyo moved from Bournemouth to Manchester City for £65 million, which included a lucrative sell-on option agreed upon when the winger left Ashton Gate in January 2023.
City have already strengthened this month by signing promotion-winning midfielder Sam Morsy after his term in Kuwait was cut short, while George Earthy has returned to the club on a second loan from West Ham. However, plans to increase defensive depth, particularly at left back, may need to be reconsidered.
According to EFL transfer expert Pete O’Rourke, Middlesbrough has won the race to sign Munroe. According to BBC Sport, Boro has tabled an offer of around £300,000, which is slightly lower than the £350,000 that Bristol City is thought to have made. Both clubs were interested in signing the 20-year-old after he impressed on loan at Swindon Town.
Middlesbrough’s agreement is expected to include a significant sell-on provision, which could assist Aston Villa in the future. Munroe would become Boro’s second signing of the window, following midfielder Leo Castledine’s arrival from Chelsea. He is anticipated to battle with Matt Targett for a starting spot and might be promoted to the first team if Newcastle recalls Targett due to injury worries.
Munroe has sparked great curiosity due to his rapid progress. A cousin of Arsenal and England striker Declan Rice, he began his youth career at Chelsea after being spotted by Ashley Cole before moving to Aston Villa in 2021. He made his senior debut for Villa in a Europa Conference League semi-final against Olympiacos, and he also played in the Premier League against Crystal Palace.
Loan moves have advanced his development, with 27 games for Real Unión in Spain’s third tier and a notable season with Swindon Town. The left-back has two goals and nine assists in 17 appearances, leading Swindon to second place in League Two.
Swindon manager Ian Holloway has heaped praise on Munroe, stating that Aston Villa may regret letting him go and comparing his potential to that of Seamus Coleman. Holloway also noted Munroe’s immediate future uncertainty, given the impending recall clause date.
With Munroe clearly on his way abroad, Bristol City may be forced to consider alternative options as they seek to enhance their squad for the second half of the season.
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