Marcus Browne from Middlesbrough to Oxford United: Is it a good move? Will he start? What does he offer?

Oxford United bolstered their squad on transfer deadline day by sealing a reunion with Marcus Browne.

As confirmed by the club’s official website, the attacking midfielder has joined the club for an undisclosed fee from Middlesbrough.

Browne has previously featured for Oxford in two separate loan spells and will now be keen to play a key role in the club’s push for a play-off place during the remainder of the 2021/22  campaign.

Here, we have decided to take a look at whether this is a good move for the U’s whilst we also assess whether Browne will start for the club and what he will bring to the League One outfit…

Is it a good move?

This could turn out to be a superb bit of business by Oxford if Browne is able to maintain his fitness during his latest stint at the Kassam Stadium.

The 24-year-old has missed a considerable chunk of action due to a serious knee injury that he suffered in January 2020 and thus may take some time to get back up to speed.

When you consider that Browne has provided an impressive total of 19 direct goal contributions in 48 appearances at this level, he clearly possesses the talent needed to thrive at this level.

Therefore, it wouldn’t be at all surprising if he produces a host of eye-catching displays for his new side in the coming months.

Will he start?

Given that Oxford are currently able to call upon the services of Ryan Williams, Billy Bodin, Nathan Holland and Mark Sykes, Browne will need to prove his worth to Karl Robinson in order to retain a regular spot in the club’s starting eleven.

Browne has not played a senior game this season and so the U’s may find it beneficial to ease him into action by initially deploying him as a substitute in their upcoming fixtures.

By showcasing his ability