Middlesbrough left it late but Rob Edwards bagged the best deal of transfer deadline day

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The summer transfer market has now closed for another season, and deadline day was incredibly busy as EFL sides attempted to finalise signings they had been after for a while or brought in players to fix holes they had identified following the start of the campaign.

Middlesbrough made several moves on deadline day and have now added to their squad for the Championship season ahead from a place of strength, having made a perfect start to the campaign; in fact, it has been their best for 31 years.

While fans and Rob Edwards may argue that the best business they did over the summer was keeping Hayden Hackney on their books despite the interest from Premier League clubs, they did make some good signings this transfer window.

Now, the deal of deadline day was made by Rob Edwards and Middlesbrough ahead of the international break, with this individual set to add a lot to the Teesside club.

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Alan Browne was the signing of deadline day

While there may be arguments that could be made for the deal to bring Ben Sheaf from Coventry City to Wrexham or Patrick Roberts to Birmingham City, the deal to bring Alan Browne to Middlesbrough on loan is the best deal of deadline day.

Middlesbrough had lost one Republic of Ireland international as Finn Azaz joined Southampton; however, with the loan signing of Browne, there is another one in the door at the Riverside.

It is smart business by Middlesbrough, as Browne is an incredibly versatile player, as he can play wide in midfield and in full-back or wing-back if required but obviously is a tireless central midfielder – another for Rob Edwards to add to his collection.

Another thing Alan Browne will bring is leadership, having been the Preston North End captain for several seasons, and he has plenty of experience, having played internationally for Ireland and Sunderland, having won promotion with the Black Cats last season.

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Alan Browne’s 2024/25 campaign

While Alan Browne was not the first choice in his position for Sunderland last season, he was an important figure in the squad as they achieved promotion.

Middlesbrough will have the same aim this campaign, and he would be the perfect addition to help them get over the line due to his skills and qualities.

Browne will be able to play several positions for Rob Edwards, and while this may see him adopt a similar role to what he did at Sunderland, he may be pleased to know he will feature, as it seemed unlikely at the Black Cats due to their spending ahead of the Premier League campaign.

He made 23 appearances last season and scored one goal; however, his role was never to score goals, as he was a defensive-minded player, and he did this role fantastically, like he did at Preston North End.