After five years and some wonderful memories, towering center back Aden Flint is leaving Bristol City for Middlesbrough FC, despite recently signing a contract extension to stay with The Robbins.
Bristol City forum
Aden Flint is leaving The Robbins to join Boro. The center back has been with the team since 2013 and was the staple of the defense during the famous 2014/15 season in which Bristol City did the double. Then, the Ashton Gate boys won the Football League One title with 99 points and only 5 losses, and also won the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy (the cup for England’s second and third division). He scored the opener against Walsall in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy final and recorded a hat-trick versus the same opponent in the last game of that promotion campaign (a resounding 8-2 win).
Flint signed a contract extension back in March, saying:
“I’ve been here five years now and it feels like home for me. I’ve enjoyed some good times here and also enjoyed some bad times but probably more good times, and I want to carry that on, obviously.”
Bristol City’s manager Lee Johnson admitted the contract extension was given in order to deter potential suitors.
“…the fact that we have had offers is the reason that you do it as well.”
Premier League’s Brighton already approached Aden Flint back in January. He also anticipated something like this might happen.
“But you’re never sure in football – particularly next season with the windows coming forward a little bit. I don’t know how that will actually pan out.”
Bristol City fans forum
The Bristol City fans are obviously disgruntled with the move. What make things worse is the transfer fee. €8 million, €2.5 million of which are add-ons, is not the enough for a 1.97 m. defender who has scored 37 goals in 209 matches. On top of that, Swindon Town have a sell-on fee that will further reduce the income.
They’re now questioning Bristol City’s ambitions.
“For me it’s the message that selling Flint at this price and to a Championship rival sends to the fans.”
“We should be holding on to our best players, pushing on from last season and in Flint and the likely transfers of Bobby Reid and Joe Bryan we will have sold three players who were pretty much guaranteed first names on the team sheet and also very popular with fans and players alike.” – Matthew Withers (fan writer – https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/aden-flints-middlesbrough-sale-makes-1719160)
Aden Flint Middlesbrough
Bristol City finished 11th, while Middlesbrough FC was 5th and participated in the Championship playoffs. It may be the reason why Aden Flint changed his mind, believing he has a better shot at reaching the Premier League with The Smoggies. It’s either that or there’s something going on in the background we don’t know about.
