Middlesbrough have made former Blackburn Rovers centre-back Darragh Lenihan their latest signing of the transfer window.
The defender has joined Boro on a four-year contract after leaving Rovers following the expiry of his deal at Ewood Park.
He arrives at the Riverside Stadium having spent the last decade with the Lancashire outfit, where he made 260 appearances. The Republic of Ireland international captained Rovers last term as they just fell short of reaching the Championship play-offs.
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The 28-year-old was statistically one of the best players in the division and although he missed out on the EFL’s Team of the Season, he featured in WhoScored’s list which is formed solely off data. Lenihan was part of one of the best defences in the league, conceding just 50 league goals in 46 games and he himself won the fourth most aerial duels in the division with 209.
He will bring plenty of experience and leadership qualities to Boro and the club have fended off interest from rival clubs to secure his services ahead of a promising 2022-23 campaign.
Manager Chris Wilder was delighted to get the deal over the line after previously trying to sign the player when he was in charge of Sheffield United.
“I've been a huge admirer of Darragh for a long time, in terms of his qualities he brings as a player, as a person, as a competitor, as a warrior, and a leader of men.
“I'm putting a bit on him but I know he can handle it. He's a proper football player and I'm delighted.”
Lenihan is the club’s third signing of the week following the double capture of left-back Ryan Giles on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers and goalkeeper Liam Roberts from Northampton Town.
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