Tony Mowbray has made the first addition to the squad he hoped could take place ahead of the League One season.
Jayson Leutwiler has joined Blackburn from Shrewsbury for an undisclosed fee.
Leutwiler, previously signed by Mowbray during his time at Middlesbrough, has signed a two year deal with Rovers having the option of a further 12 months.
The Canadian international had, ironically enough, been brought in by Mowbray to act as cover for Jason Steele at Middlesbrough and now Leutwiler could become his replacement following his departure for Sunderland.
Leutwiler, 28, and David Raya will battle for the number one spot.
Having completed his deal he told the Official Website how pleased he was to arrive at Ewood Park with promotion Leutwiler’s first target.
‘I’m obviously very happy and delighted to sign and be part of this club It’s a huge club, with a lot of targets in front of us – promotion definitely – and that’s the main attraction. The infrastructure and everything here is great, and it’s the right step for me at this moment of my career. I’m very proud to be here now and I’m just looking forward to it.’
Signed by Mowbray from Basel in 2012, making a handful of first team performances at the Riverside Stadium, Leutwiler is happy to work with his old boss.
‘He’s a great manager I worked with him for almost two years at Middlesbrough and it was a great experience there. I was a bit younger at the time, but I learned a lot about English football, it was the perfect club to come to and I had a great time. He brought me over from Switzerland to England and it’s another occasion now to be with him here for a couple of years and I’m really happy,’ added the keeper.
He’s also up for the challenge he’ll face with Raya.
‘I haven’t met him (David Raya) yet, but I’m sure I will very soon. I will try to do my best and show the gaffer what I can do and what I have improved during my time at Shrewsbury and then obviously it will be the gaffer’s decision,’ concluded Leutwiler.
