Spike Brits, the 19-year-old goalkeeper from Kingston-upon-Thames, has signed a season-long loan deal with Sutton United from Manchester City, the clubs confirmed in July 2026. The move returns a local prospect into closer reach of southwest London supporters and offers the shot-stopper an opportunity to gain first-team experience.
From AFC Wimbledon junior to Manchester City
Brits began his football education with AFC Wimbledon, joining the Dons at the age of six and spending roughly a decade within their academy structure. His progress at youth level saw him train with Wimbledon’s first team while still with the Under-18s at only 16 years of age, attracting attention from several Premier League clubs.
In June 2023, Manchester City secured his transfer for what was reported as a club record fee received for an academy player at AFC Wimbledon. He spent his initial season in the City colours with the Under-18s, making eight appearances before progressing to the club’s Elite Development Squad.
Development and international experience
Across the 2024/25 campaign Brits became more established, featuring across the Under-18 Premier League North, Premier League 2 and the UEFA Youth League. Injury interrupted part of that season, but he returned to help Manchester City win the PL2 title, making 19 appearances that season and keeping seven clean sheets.
Brits remained involved with City’s EDS in 2025/26, again recording 19 appearances. One standout moment came in the UEFA Youth League when he produced a penalty save that contributed to a 4–0 victory over Real Madrid’s youth side.
On the international stage he has represented England at Under-16, Under-17 and Under-18 levels. Notable details include:
- England Under-16: seven clean sheets from his first eight caps and part of the side that won the Mondial Montaigu Tournament.
- England Under-17: made his debut in a 3–2 defeat to Portugal at the Pinatar Arena and was named in the squad for the 2024 UEFA European Under-17 Championship, where he made two group-stage appearances, including a clean sheet against France.
| Season / Competition | Appearances | Clean sheets |
|---|---|---|
| 2023/24 (Man City U18) | 8 | — |
| 2024/25 (PL2, U18, UYL) | 19 | 7 |
| 2025/26 (EDS) | 19 | — |
Local significance and what to expect
For Kingston supporters, the loan represents the latest chapter in a local player's ascent through the youth ranks to the professional game. Sutton United operate in close proximity to Kingston and the loan should allow Brits to contend for senior match minutes in a competitive environment, aiding his transition from youth football to the rigours of adult first-team action.
While Manchester City will retain his registration, the season at Sutton is aimed at offering regular senior exposure — a common next step for young goalkeepers in top-level academies. The club and player will hope the spell produces consistent performances and further development, both technically and in terms of match experience.
Supporters and local football watchers can expect to see Brits in Sutton colours during the coming season, an opportunity to follow a homegrown Kingston talent as he seeks to establish himself in senior football.
