Exclusive: Shrewsbury Town, Crewe Alexandra & Bromley chase Browne

Shrewsbury Town, Crewe Alexandra and Bromley lead the race to sign Walsall defender Rico Browne, sources have told Football Insider.

The 22-year-old centre-back’s contract is set to expire at the League Two side this summer.

However, the Saddlers plan on offering him an extension in an attempt to keep him for their upcoming 2026-27 campaign.

Browne played 21 matches for the Saddlers in League Two this season, where he netted once and also picked up an assist.

The defender has been at the club since 2024 and was unable to guide Walsall to the playoffs this season as they finished 13th in the fourth tier.

Browne moved to Walsall in 2024 after a successful trial.

The defender had previously come through Birmingham City’s academy before he rejected a new contract to depart in 2024.

Upon signing for Walsall, he was soon sent on loan to Tamworth in October, where he made five appearances, including one in a 1-0 victory over Huddersfield Town in the FA Cup, before he was recalled in November.

Browne is also of Saint Kitts and Nevis descent, and has previously played for the nation’s Under 17s squad.

In the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup, he was called up to the senior squad for the Caribbean country.

At Walsall this season, he has often been deployed as a centre-back, but he can also play as a right-back.

However, his time at the club may now be set to come to an end this summer.

According to Fotmob on 16 May, Browne has been solid for Walsall this season.

The defender has plenty of decent stats despite his less-than-consistent appearances throughout the 2025-26 campaign.

Per 90 minutes, he is averaging 1.57 tackles, 1.05 interceptions, 3.44 recoveries, 63.3 per cent aerial duels won, and 0.06 goals scored.

As a result, if he is to depart Walsall in the summer, he will no doubt be a loss for the club.

However, it remains to be seen if they are able to get the defender to sign a new deal over the coming weeks, or if he will move to one of Shrewsbury Town, Crewe Alexandra or Bromley.