Expert insight as Callum Brittain joins Middlesbrough from Blackburn Rovers.

When Middlesbrough started planning for the summer transfer window, right-back was earmarked as a top priority. Having worked through their list of potential options, Blackburn Rovers’ Callum Brittain quickly moved to the top of their wishlist for a number of reasons.

It hasn’t proven an easy deal to do, but finally, after a month-long pursuit, the 27-year-old has become Boro’s third summer signing; putting pen to paper on a four-year deal at the Riverside. Described as one of the best right-backs in the Championship in recent years, Brittain ticked the box for a number of reasons.

The first is both his quality and comfort in playing as both a right-back and a right wing-back – the latter of which he played more at Barnsley prior to his Rovers move, but then again late last season when his former Barnsley boss Valerien Ismael took over at Ewood Park. In a good sign for Boro, the Rovers boss has expressed his frustration and emotion at losing Brittain.

For new Boro head coach Rob Edwards, the versatility of Brittain, as well as his attributes, made him the ideal target. Though he’s played with wing-backs throughout pre-season, he’s not yet ruling out playing with a flat back four at times – with suggestions he’ll be tactically flexible depending on his available options, and the opposition analysis.

Offering insight into the quality Brittain, the Lancashire Telegraph’s Elliott Jackson told Teesside Live: “Brittain is now one of the best in his position across the league. He is all-energy down the right flank. He’s an attacking right-back who loves to go forward. That has always been his strength and the best part of his game.

“His crossing is excellent and he will constantly be a threat in the final third. Though he doesn’t score many, he’s excellent at creating chances. Brittain has good pace which makes him a threat going forward and gives him an advantage against speedy dribblers.”

However, Elliott notes: “His injury record has been chequered at various points, but last season was his best at Ewood Park by a distance. He came second in the Player of the Season vote. Also, when he first arrived at Ewood Park, there were weaknesses defensively.

“He’d predominantly played as a wing-back at Barnsley and that showed sometimes as he adapted to playing a four-man defence. However, particularly under John Eustace last season, he has developed the defensive side of his game. There are much fewer lapses of concentration, where he could let an attacker run inside him. There’s still room to grow in that area but he’s certainly a more well-rounded player than in previous seasons.”

Boro made strengthening the right side of their defence a priority this summer because Anfernee Dijksteel left at the end of his contract. He’d played the majority of games last season due to Luke Ayling’s struggles with fitness and form, and Boro knew they needed better. In pre-season, operating with wing-backs, Edwards has needed pace and attack-mindedness from the wide roles, which Brittain undoubtedly offers.

Having so far strengthened their defence with the signing of Alfie Jones, and their spine with the signing of Abdoulaye Kante, right-back was the absolute top priority. Brittain became one deal they felt they had to get over the line, and they’ve been able to do so before Saturday’s opener against Swansea City, which Brittain will be in line to debut in.

Often describing themselves as needing to be ‘opportunistic’ with recruitment as far as timing is concerned to get the best possible value for money, it was the right time to go after the Rovers man. His contract situation at Ewood Park made it a deal Boro always believed was achievable, even if they had to be patient.

Elliott explains further: “Contract renewals have been a massive talking point at Blackburn Rovers for some time. The club have stopped being proactive since the departure of Gregg Broughton last summer. Only two senior players – both were out of contract this summer – have signed fresh terms since December 2023.

“They have allowed three of their best players in Brittain, Lewis Travis and Sondre Tronstad, to enter their final 12 months and that has made them vulnerable to offers. Tyrhys Dolan has also left for nothing this summer.

“The surprise is that this has come to a head now. Rovers appeared hopeful Brittain might sign a new deal this summer, having worked with Valerien Ismael before with Barnsley. However, he’s decided that Middlesbrough is a better project for him.”

That’s a good sign for Boro too. Not only could Brittain have chosen to stay and work again under Ismael, he also rejected the advances of Derby County this summer. The Rams are of course now managed by former Rovers boss Eustace. It’s said he was sold by Boro’s project after conversations with Kieran Scott, Chris Jones and Edwards – the latter of which he noted in his unveiling comments.

As for future aspirations, Boro still aspire to get back to the Premier League, however tough the financial disaprity of the Championship makes it for them. Much like Jones from Hull City, to better their chances they’ve looked to reinforce with some Championship steel and reliability. But don’t rule out Brittain being able to handle the top flight if Boro upset the odds.

“It’s a tough ask for any Championship player nowadays to make that step up,” Elliot concludes. “I wouldn’t rule out him making the jump but certainly for the here and now, he’s as good as anyone Middlesbrough could’ve picked up on the market. With one year left on his deal, I’m not surprised they have swooped in.”

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