Why signing Ben Gibson from Middlesbrough is an excellent move for Burnley

As per BBC, Burnley have completed a sensational £15million deal to sign Ben Gibson from Middlesbrough.

A previous report from Sky Sports claimed that the Clarets had previously seen two lower bids turned down by Middlesbrough over the past 48 hours, but now it looks like Sean Dyche has made a breakthrough.

Gibson, who came through from Middlesbrough’s academy, made 50 appearances last season as the Teesside-based club reached the Championship playoffs.

It was the need of the hour for Dyche to improve his squad ahead of the 2018/19 campaign. Burnley were yet to sign a single player in the ongoing transfer window which was understandably frustrating for the fans. But to enjoy a successful Premier League, as well as Europa League campaign, quality reinforcements were needed.

To that end, a move for Ben Gibson is certainly a step taken in the right direction by Dyche. Gibson has been a star for Boro, having impressed at the Riverside Stadium both in the Championship and the Premier League. He has made over 180 appearances for Boro since coming through the club’s youth academy and was one of the top defenders in the Championship the last term, scoring a goal and supplying three assists.

Gibson impressed during Boro’s 2016/17 Premier League campaign and was called up for Gareth Southgate’s England squad a year ago, though he was not handed his international debut. Considering the 25-year-old’s top-flight experience, Burnley have signed a player with real quality.

Gibson is known for being a committed defender who rarely gets flustered in high-pressure situations. He is a calm and composed ball-playing centre-back. Standing at 6ft 2in tall, the English defender is strong in the air, and whilst he is not the quickest of defenders, he is a fantastic reader of the game. He is also an excellent organizer and leads the team by example, both on and off the field.

For just £15million, Burnley have signed a top-quality defender in Gibson, who is just 25 and has his best years ahead of him. He will provide cover and competition for the likes of James Tarkowski, Ben Mee and Kevin Long. Due to his previous Premier League experience, Gibson is certainly an exciting new addition for the Clarets.