MILTON KEYNES, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 08: Matthew Sorinola of Milton Keynes Dons in action during the EFL Trophy match between Milton Keynes Dons and Northampton Town at StadiumMK on September 08, 2020 in Milton Keynes, England. (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images)
According to Football League World (h/t Wales Online), Swansea City are among a host of clubs believed to be keeping a close eye on highly-rated MK Dons defender Matthew Sorinola.
The Swans, though, are expected to face stiff competition from several Premier League clubs in their pursuit of the teenage left-back. Crystal Palace, Leeds United, West Brom and West Ham have all been linked with Sorinola in the recent past. (Football League World h/t Wales Online)
Born in south London, Matthew Sorinola started his footballing education at Fulham. He spent seven years in the Cottagers’ youth ranks between 2009 and 2016 before moving to MK Dons to further his development. After signing a professional contract in June 2019, the 19-year-old made three first-team appearances for Dons in the 2019-20 EFL Trophy.
That was followed by a brief loan spell at Beaconsfield Town during the second half of last season. The teenager has enjoyed a senior breakthrough at his parent club this term, featuring in 16 out of MK Dons’ 24 fixtures in League One so far. (h/t Transfermarkt)
The 19-year-old has made a total of 24 appearances in all competitions so far this season, contributing with a goal and two assists. Sorinola’s potential has even drawn comparisons with Tariq Lamptey, who has established himself as one of the most exciting young full-backs in the Premier League after moving to Brighton.
Swansea City roped in Ryan Manning from QPR to bolster their left-back department this past summer. That was after the 24-year-old had finished the previous campaign as one of the best attacking wing-backs in the Championship.
Manning, though, has cut a frustrated figure on the bench for the majority of the campaign under Steve Cooper. Jake Bidwell’s form on the left has limited the Republic of Ireland international to just three league starts so far. However, the former QPR star is expected to play a bigger role over the next few months, with fixtures set to come thick and fast.
Suffice to say, Swansea already have two quality left-backs competing for places. That should ideally rule out a move to bring in another player in that department. But Matthew Sorinola could still fit the bill at the Liberty Stadium as a promising young starlet with plenty of room for development.
The 19-year-old has earned rave reviews for his impressive breakthrough at MK Dons in League One this season. While he is hardly the finished article just yet, Sorinola has the potential to get better in his career moving forward.
The youngster might not walk straight into Swansea’s starting eleven given the presence of Bidwell and Manning. Having said that, however, Sorinola looks like a star in the making, meaning the Swans should look to benefit from his potential in the longer run.
Cooper is right up there with the best when it comes to nurturing up and coming prospects. Hence, Swansea beating off competition for the Football League starlet can pay off handsomely.