Middlesbrough Move for Experienced Southampton Defender

Rob Edwards has had a quiet first transfer window at Middlesbrough, but now looks set to make his fourth addition of the summer.

Having added Blackburn Rovers right-back Callum Brittain last week, Boro look set to bolster the left side of full-back further, having sent Danish defender Lukas Engel on loan to FC Cincinnati.

Now in the market for a left-back, Alan Nixon has reported that Southampton’s Charlie Taylor is being weighed up as a potential signing.

The former-Burnley man is currently out of favour at St. Mary’s, behind Brazilian left-back Welington in the pecking order and an unused substitute during last weekend’s opening day victory against Wrexham.

Charlie Taylor to Middlesbrough

Although out of favour at Southampton, Taylor remains a strong option at Championship level.

After seven years at Burnley, the defender made the switch to the South Coast last summer, but was limited to only eight Premier League appearances as the Saints were relegated from the top flight.

Despite stalling in the last year, the 31-year-old was recently instrumental to Burnley’s Championship title victory in 2023 under Vincent Kompany, making 41 appearances for the Clarets.

Before successes under Kompany, the defender was also a key part of Sean Dyche’s Clarets backline, which was renowned for its solidarity and ability to frustrate the best in the country.

In need of game time and still much to offer in the division, Rob Edwards has demonstrated during his time at Luton Town that he can get the best out of experienced players.

Last weekend’s tight opening day victory over Swansea City saw Luke Ayling feature at left-back, who is a right-back by nature.

So, having sent Engel out on loan, it would be a shock if Boro are not to add a left-back in the closing weeks of the summer window, especially with the season already underway.

A Bargain Deal?

With Taylor clearly out of favour on the South Coast, Nixon reports that Boro are looking for a potential bargain deal for the experienced figure.

This move could work out well for all parties, with a move to the North East to play under Rob Edwards an excellent destination for a defender approaching the latter years of his career.

Edwards’ sides are often renowned for their solidarity, grit, and ability to frustrate the opposition.

This was shown in last weekend’s victory, where the North East side came out on top in a tight contest.

While possessing some of the division’s most exciting forwards in Finn Azaz and Morgan Whittaker, a solid defence at the base could project Middlesbrough into the promotion picture.

Given the defender’s previous pedigree under Dyche at Burnley, he could be an astute addition for the Boro backline.