Middlesbrough can save millions - £5k-a-week star is becoming a gem for Rob Edwards | OneFootball

The 24-year-old has kept three clean sheets in his opening five Championship matches

Rob Edwards' decision to trust Sol Brynn as Middlesbrough's first-choice goalkeeper is proving to be a masterstroke that could save the club millions in the transfer market.

The 24-year-old has been at the Teesside club since the age of nine, and has kept three clean sheets in his opening five Championship matches - the most out of anyone in the division.

Only conceding three goals since the start of the season is impressive given the fact that Brynn managed just six league appearances in 24/25 - he dislocated his shoulder in December last year, which didn't help things.

As a result of his injury, each of Tom Glover, Mark Travers and Seny Dieng all played more minutes in the second-tier last season than Brynn.

The first two - Glover and Travers - are obviously no longer at the club, and Dieng was said to be in the early stages of his ACL injury recovery in August.

According to Capology estimates, Brynn earns £5k-a-week at Boro, and is listed on the site as one of the North East side's lowest earners.

Rob Edwards' faith in Sol Brynn paying dividends

Edwards' confidence in Brynn has been backed through strong early-season performances that have seen Middlesbrough top the second-tier table after five games with 13 points.

"What I would say on that is that second half, Sol didn't have a single shot to save," Edwards said after Boro's opening day victory over Swansea City.

So, yes, the players in front of him are good, but a big part of a keeper's role is to organise his defence well. Having the most 'high claims' in the league, with 10 (successfully catching a cross or corner), shows he gives confidence to his teammates.

The academy graduate's journey through loan spells at Queen of the South, Swindon Town and Leyton Orient have all seemingly provided invaluable experience. His first loan was at Darlington, but he only played one game.

His performances at both English clubs were particularly impressive - at Orient he kept 13 clean sheets in 45 appearances and won the supporters' club away player of the year award.

Although a close second to Frazer Blake-Tracy for player of the season while at Swindon, Brynn played every game in League Two and kept 13 clean sheets.

Last season, Jonny Howson praised Brynn to BBC Radio Tees, saying, "He's someone I've been aware of. I think he's got two player of the season awards at previous clubs, so I always look at that.

"That is some going for a young goalkeeper, so he's got something about him. I've been impressed with him in training," Howson added.

Sol Brynn is the answer to Middlesbrough's long-term goalkeeping needs

Having signed a four-year contract extension in October 2024, Edwards already has stability in net, and it suggests Brynn is seen as Boro's preferred goalkeeper long-term.

Rather than spending millions on other goalkeepers in the future - example being Dieng reportedly cost the club £2m - Middlesbrough can redirect any potential fees to other areas of the squad.

In truth, the academy graduate has perhaps already saved Edwards millions, due to the situations regarding the aforementioned trio of goalkeepers at the club last season.

Journalist Alan Nixon reported via his Patreon that £5m was set aside to sign Hull City's Ivor Pandur near deadline day, however The Northern Echo mentioned that wasn't going to happen in order to give Brynn a chance of establishing himself.

As the Championship season progresses, Brynn's continued development will be crucial to any hopes Boro have for promotion, and going off social media posts, he seems to be well-liked by supporters.