Middlesbrough should consider Plymouth Argyle transfer swoop - but only if Rob Edwards makes this decision | OneFootball

Rob Edwards' possible formation plans should see a move for Bali Mumba lodged before the new season starts.

Rob Edwards will be looking to sweep last season's disaster at Luton Town under the rug, and bring back the elation felt during the 2022/23 season at his new job at Middlesbrough in the upcoming campaign.

Boro are hoping that Edwards can deliver a season which at least ends in a play-off spot after two consecutive campaigns finishing outside the top six under Michael Carrick.

Carrick often came under fire towards the end of his tenure for failing to have a plan B, sticking to his 4-2-3-1 formation and failing to change when things weren't exactly going his way.

Edwards arrives with a different tactical style, often opting for a three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs alongside them.

It worked wonders during his first Championship season at Luton as well as during their Premier League spell at times, with the likes of Alfie Doughty and Amari'i Bell shining in those wide positions.

Bali Mumba would be a big upgrade for Rob Edwards and Middlesbrough at wing-back

If the new Boro boss does stick to what has worked for him in the past, then he'll need to strengthen both sides of the defensive five, and Bali Mumba could fit that bill.

After suffering relegation to League One last season with Plymouth, it may be a no-brainer to bring him in. Over the past couple of seasons, Mumba has established himself as a capable, versatile, Championship-level defender.

The 23-year-old Plymouth man played in a multitude of positions last season under both Wayne Rooney and Miron Muslic, namely both left and right back, and he can and has played in more advanced positions down both flanks too.

So, if Rob Edwards were to deploy his wing-back formation during his time at the Riverside, bringing in someone capable of doing the defensive work but also someone who wouldn't shy away from getting forward and joining attacks is a must.

Mumba operates best on the right, a position occupied only by Luke Ayling at Boro now, following Anfernee Djiksteel's departure this summer. Whilst Ayling has plenty of Championship pedigree, the 33-year-old may not have the legs to consistently be a part of Edwards' team week in, week out.

Mumba has missed just six games in the last two Championship seasons, so would be a reliable option, whether that be starting at right-back or slotting in on the left for Neto Borges or Alex Bangura if they are to be the options on that side.

And, after suffering relegation last season at Plymouth, there's a likelihood that the 23-year-old could be the next out the door at Home Park, with the likes of Maksym Talovierov and Ryan Hardie already making the jump back into the Championship this summer.

Like the aforementioned two, Mumba clearly has the quality now to still play in the second tier, and has the potential to be a big part of Rob Edwards' plans at Middlesbrough.

He has also been linked with a move to Teesside in the past, so he could well be a player on their radar.

Middlesbrough should still pursue Bali Mumba in spite of a potential formation change

It could be argued that this deal would only make sense if Rob Edwards deployed a five-back formation whilst at Middlesbrough this season, which isn't a guarantee.

The former Luton boss may move away from what he is used to, after a terrible season at Kenilworth Road last campaign.

However, Mumba should be on the shortlist of a plethora of Championship clubs this summer, regardless of how they play, as his sheer versatility would make him a coup for any second-tier side.

Having someone who can reliably play in multiple positions is incredibly useful in a long 46-game season, and with Mumba playing in 43 games in each of the last two Championship campaigns, his reliability and overall conditioning are something managers will look for in their transfer targets this summer, too.

The 23-year-old may not be the flashiest in front of goal, but his underlying effort should be what attracts clubs to him this summer, and Middlesbrough should definitely be after him because of that.

And if Edwards opts to use wing-backs at the Riverside, then even better.