Middlesbrough opinion: Three Replacements for Stewart Downing

The BBC has reported that Middlesbrough star Stewart Downing will be leaving the club at the end of the season, alongside three other stars. This does put the club in some trouble but it is nothing that they cannot solve with the summer transfer window open.

However, it does mean that Boro will have to spend through their teeth to try and replace the former Liverpool man before the start of the season. While that may be easier said than done, it’s not the hardest thing finding wingers to reinforce their side.

However, finding the right man will be a lot harder and that being said, here are three replacements for Stewart Downing:

Marcus Tavernier

The first name on the list is an already present Middlesbrough star, with Tavernier impressive over the course of this season. The 20-year-old has done well for the club, finishing his season with 5 goals and 3 assists despite playing less than 12% of the available minutes.

It’s a rather impressive statistic for the young winger and it shows why he would be the best option. With time and the right manager to back him, Tavernier has shown the ability and the talent to not only replace Downing but do a lot more for the club.

His versatility and capability to play as a central midfielder and a left-back will only help the club moving forward. But it’s his work rate and ability on the ball that Boro will really need in the near future.

Georges Kevin N’Koudou

Georges Kevin N’Koudou has struggled to make an impact since his move to Tottenham and left for Monaco on loan in January 2019. But the damage has been done, with the Frenchman making just 3 appearances for the club before the season ended.

To make things even worse, Georges Kevin N’Koudou’s last goal came all the way in December 2017, which was his first for Tottenham. It’s why both he and the club need to cut their ties, and a restart with Middlesbrough would be perfect.

The 24-year old’s speed and versatility is just what the club needs and with time, he’ll find his rhythm again. At the age of 24, N’Koudou would prove to be a great long-term buy by Middlesbrough.

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Sheraldo Becker

Out of contract in the summer and linked with a move to Middlesbrough, Becker is the best possible option for Boro in the summer. A fast and very creative number 7, the 24-year-old has done well this season for ADO Den Haag, playing all but 1 game.

He finished with 7 goals and 10 assists in just the Eredivisie, which makes him better than most players at Middlesbrough. But add that to his work-ethic, pace and clinical nature in the final third and it makes him an even brighter prospect.

He would come for free since his contract does expire at the end of the season.