Middlesbrough having officially secured David Strelec earlier in the day and they now look set to make a quick move for Irish midfielder Alan Browne. Browne, 30, arrives at the Riverside Stadium after just a year at Sunderland.
The Republic of Ireland international only made 22 appearances for Sunderland last year and would most defiantly be a more familiar name to Preston North End fans where he served as captain and made over 350 appearances.
It perhaps comes as no surprise that Sunderland are letting Browne go out on a season long loan to Middlesbrough after before deadline day had even begun Sunderland had spent £141.5m in the transfer window, a figure that is higher than many of the Premier League mainstays.
Browne To Middlesbrough?
Browne’s move to Middlesbrough could mark the beginning of another promotion to add to his career having been promoted to the Championship with Preston in the 2014/2015 season and more recently Sunderland in last season’s dramatic playoff campaign. Browne known for his energy, leadership, and versatility in midfield, he will bring a wealth of Championship experience to Robb Edwards side, who have already had a fantastic start picking up a maximum of 12 points from 12.
This experience will surely be vital this season for the Boro’ after the loss of players like Jonny Howson (retirement) and Finn Azaz who moved to Southampton earlier in the window will have left a large hole in their midfield.
Across his decade at Deepdale, Browne established himself as a reliable midfielder, winning Preston’s Player of the Year award in 2018 and playing a central role in their push for promotion.
His switch to Sunderland last summer initially promised a fresh chapter, highlighted by a goal in a victory over Portsmouth, but an untimely injury curtailed his impact.
The loan to Middlesbrough now represents both an opportunity to rediscover rhythm and a chance to contribute to another promotion bid.
Edwards has already overseen several astute signings, including Sverre Nypan, Matt Targett, Sontje Hansen, Alfie Jones and Callum Brittain. Adding experienced additions like Browne and with momentum on their side, Middlesbrough will be well positioned to mount a sustained promotion push under Edwards this season.
