Middlesbrough must target ‘outstanding’ Premier League ace amid Callum Brittain Derby County twist

Add as preferred source on Google

The top flight full-back would be an impressive addition for Middlesbrough to make if Championship rivals Derby County beat Boro to signing.

Both Middlesbrough and Derby County are looking to improve on their feats in the 2024/25 Championship campaign by adding quality in the summer transfer window.

After Boro dropped out of top-six contention, Michael Carrick was sacked earlier this summer, with Boro appointing Rob Edwards in his place.

South of Boro, Rams boss John Eustace will be looking to improve on the Rams’ relegation-threatened end to last season in his first full season in charge at Pride Park.

With the transfer window in full swing, both Boro and Derby are locked in a transfer battle for Blackburn Rovers full-back Callum Brittain.

However, there is another quality option for Edwards’ side to pursue if the Rams win the Brittain race.

• READ MORE: Middlesbrough fans slam Steve Gibson decision as ‘brilliant servant’ departs Boro, he ‘deserved better’

Middlesbrough should target Ki-Jana Hoever if Derby County sign Callum Brittain

After Brittain refused to play for Blackburn in a pre-season affair against Accrington Stanley earlier this summer, the writing is on the Ewood Park walls for the 27-year-old.

Rovers boss Valerien Ismael made his Brittain thoughts clear, after his call came as EFL Analysis exclusively revealed, as per Chief Football correspondent Graeme Bailey, that Middlesbrough made an offer for Britain which didn’t meet Blackburn’s valuation.

Recently, Bailey further informed EFL Analysis that Derby joined Middlesbrough in the Brittain race, after outlining that an overall deal worth around £3million, including add-ons, has been agreed.

If Derby do beat Boro to sign Brittain, seeing Eustace link up with yet another of his former Blackburn stars, then Edwards’ side should target Wolves full-back Ki-Jana Hoever instead.

The Dutchman arrived at Wolves from Liverpool in 2022 and has failed to make Molineux his permanent footballing platform after four successive seasons spent out on loan.

Hoever has ample Championship experience after featuring 61 times across two seasons for Stoke City on loan between 2022 and 2024, in which he impressed then-Potters boss Alex Neil.

Neil told Stoke’s media in 2023 after a pre-season clash: “Yeah he’s (Hoever) top isn’t he? I thought he was outstanding.

“I’m really pleased to have him back. I think this year he’ll be even better than he was last year. I think we can see he’s playing with confidence and swagger. His athleticism is top. Yeah, quality player.”

As well as Neil’s appraisal of the 23-year-old, when analysing his profile, it’s clear to see that Hoever would be the perfect signing at Boro to suit Edwards’ footballing philosophy.

• READ MORE: ‘Great’ Middlesbrough youngster who has impressed Rob Edwards could play key part this season 

Ki-Jana Hoever would be perfect signing for Rob Edwards at Middlesbrough

Edwards’ style of play for Boro has been questioned, given the difference between his philosophy and formation compared to predecessor Carrick.

As seen during his Luton Town tenure, Edwards often utilises a back-three system, with wing-backs on either flank offering width and bombing forward in attack.

Therefore, Hoever would be the ideal addition at right-wing back if the Brittain move fails to materialise for Boro, given his impressive statistics from his most recent second tier season with Stoke.

Hoever, who featured 30 times on loan at French top flight side Auxerre last season, has only one year left to run on his current Wolves contract, which would place a potential transfer in a similar ball park to the mooted £3m Brittain fee.

With Middlesbrough last in the top flight in 2017, Edwards will be desperate to end that lengthy absence in his debut campaign in the Riverside dugout, and the acquisition of Hoever would certainly aid his promotion quest.