Middlesbrough have completed the signing of Marcus Browne from West Ham United for an undisclosed fee.
The Smoggies have been quiet in the ongoing transfer window but Browne is an important addition to their ranks.
It is believed that the Championship outfit had been chasing the attacker for the past eighteen months and the manager seems happy after finally securing his services. He told the club’s official website:
“Marcus is an exciting, hungry young player who wants to come and play for this football club. He’s just what we need.
“He can play in three different positions and he is quick. I watched a lot of games for Oxford last season and he’s not only the type of player we want here, but he’s also the type we can improve, and he will get better.”
Middlesbrough finished seventh last season and missed out on a playoff spot by a solitary point.
Only goalkeeper Tomas Mejias was signed before Browne and Boro fans will be hopeful of a couple of more additions as they look to mount another serious promotion bid this season in the Championship.
What will he offer?
Browne joined the ranks of West Ham United as an eight-year-old and progressed through their youth set-up with his consistently impressive performances.
Last season, he was out on loan at League One outfit Oxford United and he dazzled therein as he managed to plunder 9 goals and also registered 5 assists.
He is capable of plying his trade as a central attacking midfielder or as a winger and his versatility is undoubtedly one of his strongest suits.
The 21-year old English midfielder has decent pace to burn and is also a skilful attacker. He has the potential to be a game-changer and will be a boon in the opposition half.
Besides, he is decent in set-piece situations and has the tendency to test the goalkeeper from the distance. Having found it difficult to break into the ranks of the Hammers, he will have the zeal to perform and prove a point.
As opined by the manager, his versatility will come in handy while Boro’s sparse attacking resources mean that the new arrival will get ample opportunities to play and develop further under Jonathan Woodgate’s guidance.