Darragh Lenihan signs four-year deal with Middlesbrough

Republic of Ireland international centre-half Darragh Lenihan has joined Middlesbrough on a four-year contract.

The 27-year-old Meathman was a free agent, having left Blackburn Rovers after 10 years at the end of the 2021-22 Championship season.

Lenihan, who reportedly was attracting attention from a number of Championship clubs, including Steve Bruce's West bromwich Albion, will now link up with Chris Wilder at the Riverside.

Middlesbrough finished in seventh last season, just outside the play-off positions, and Wilder will be hoping the addition of a solid, left-footed central defender will make all the difference in the push for promotion next season.

"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," said the former Sheffield United manager.

Lenihan is the north-east club's third signing of the week following the double capture of Ryan Giles and Liam Roberts.

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