Why Blackburn must re-sign Harry Chapman from Middlesbrough

Blackburn are keen to sign talented winger Harry Chapman from Middlesbrough again after he spent last campaign on loan at Ewood Park. He would no doubt welcome the chance to link up with Tony Mowbray again and show Tony Pulis what he can do following last season’s injury setback.

Chapman is one of the most talented players to come through the Boro youth setup in recent years. The 20-year-old right-winger is yet to make his debut for the senior squad, having had a couple of loan spells in recent years.

The former England U18’s international first went away to Barnsley in 2015/16, making 14 appearances and scoring one goal. He scored his first senior goal in a 3–1 victory over Walsall.

Chapman was also a late substitute as Barnsley won the 2016 Football League Trophy Final, beating Oxford United 3-2 at Wembley.

After his Barnsley loan expired, he returned to South Yorkshire, but this time with Sheffield United. His time at Bramall Lane wasn’t great, as he suffered a serious injury.

However, he’ll look back at his spell at Sheffield United with some pride, as he scored the first hat-trick of his professional career in a 6-0 FA Cup win against Leyton Orient.

Thus came last summer, when Chapman was again sent on loan to a League One side – Blackburn. He started his stay with Rovers brightly, making a series of substitute appearances in which he impressed. In total, he took part in 16 matches, scored once and provided 4 assists before another injury stopped him from playing more matches.

Tony Mowbray has admitted he’s looking to strengthen his squad for the upcoming Championship season in all possible areas. Blackburn returned to the second tier after a brief absence but will want to make sure they’re not embroiled in a relegation battle.

So far, the boss has brought in three new signings – Joe Rothwell from Oxford, Sam Durrant from Liverpool, and Jacob Davenport form Manchester City. All three are central midfielders, which leaves the squad slightly unbalanced.

For instance, Rovers have 7 central midfielders and only two wingers – Craig Conway on the left, and Elliot Bennett on the right. Chapman is a natural right-winger, so he could provide Bennett with the competition he needs.

So far in his young career, the Boro man has shown plenty of potential. He has an eye for pass and crossing, and is fast.

A slight concern could be the fact that he’s been troubled by injuries quite often but for the benefit of the doubt, let’s hope the worst is far behind him.

It’s obvious that Blackburn need more signings. Chapman knows the atmosphere at Ewood Park and would be happy to return for a second spell there. He’s shown glimmers of class, so Mowbray should bravely go for him and bring him back to Lancashire.