Middlesbrough Face Competition From Ambitious League Two Side For Manchester City Midfielder

Championship side Middlesbrough face competition after Grimsby Town have submitted a loan offer for Manchester City academy graduate Kian Breckin after the midfielder’s unsuccessful spell at Wycombe Wanderers last season resulted in him being recalled after just a couple of appearances in League One. 

The 20-year-old is at a crossroads in his young career as he looks to get senior football under his belt after impressing for City at Premier League 2 level.

Breslin’s Impressive Resume at Manchester City

It takes a world-class academy graduate to get anywhere near Pep Guardiola’s squad after their rise under the legendary Spaniard has seen them crowned Premier League champions four consecutive years on the spin.

Phil Foden is the obvious standout star that has developed from the academy while Oscar Bobb and Rico Lewis have become integral squad players for the Citizens.

A lot has been made of the spending power that the club have in reserve but the success of their underage side at a national level cannot be overlooked.

Manchester City’s underage side secured a hat-trick of Premier League 2 crowns from 2021-2023 before finally coming unstuck in their quest for four in the last campaign. They struggled to 23rd place and missed out on a spot in the elimination playoffs by seven points.

Breslin was a key part of their success in the 2022/23 season with eight goals and four assists from a central midfield role.

This followed his success with the under-18 side in 2021/22 where his five goals in a dominant City side secured the top spot in the north table before beating the leaders of the southern table Southampton in a play-off.

However, there are still question marks over his ceiling and that came to the fore during his most recent loan spell.

It was disappointing to see the player have a difficult time at Wycombe after the promise he has shown for City at underage level and Breslin is at an age where he needs to be playing regular football if he is to carve out a career in the English game.

Grimsby Town Appear in Pole Position to Secure Loan Deal

Grimsby Town’s offer has a reported guarantee of regular football for the midfielder and despite interest from Port Vale and Championship side Middlesborough, the Mariners look to be favourites to secure the deal.

Grimsby Town finished 21st in League Two last season and the deal appears to be a win-win for both parties.

Manchester City will get the opportunity to assess the player in a competitive league and determine his prospects at the club.

Town manager David Artell has a squad that needs strengthening if they are to stay from the League Two relegation battle in the new season and securing deals for Premier League academy graduates who have impressed at underage level is shrewd business for a club in their position.

Gametime is the number one priority for Breslin and it would be unlikely that he would get sufficient minutes on the pitch next season if a move to Middlesborough were to materialise so he may consider the offer from Grimsby Town a chance to launch his career to the next level.

There are very few loan deals that come with a guarantee of regular football and this is essential for the next stage in his development.

Grimsby Town generally play with five in midfield and that can alter from a flat five or a 4-2-3-1 shape with a number ten off the main striker, which was Danny Rose who bagged 15 goals to help maintain their place in the Football League.

Breslin can play as an eight or further forward in a more advanced role so he is a tactical fit for his potential new employers.