Two More Signings That Middlesbrough Are Expected To Make This Summer
Middlesbrough are among the favourites for the Championship title this time around and it’s easy to see why. A good core of their Premier League squad, arguably to be better handled by Garry Monk, has been retained, and good new signings have been added.
Although Ben Gibson may yet leave, Marten de Roon, Adama Traore, Patrick Bamford, Adam Forshaw, Adam Clayton, Fabio and others are all still on the books and provide a solid base for Monk to work with. They are players with good Premier League experience.
Money also been spent on the likes of Britt Assombalonga, Martin Braithwaite, Jonny Howson, Darren Randolph, Cyrus Christie and fine prospect Ashley Fletcher. More is needed according to Monk though and the following two players may well be employed by the Teessiders before the end of the summer transfer window:
Aden Flint (Bristol City)
Bristol City’s Birmingham-born central defender had a cracking season last time around in the Championship and is one who could bring some much needed quality into Boro’s back line, especially if they are destined to lose Ben Gibson.
Flint is a central defender who, somewhat incredibly, scored 14 league goals in League One a few seasons ago and continues to be dangerous at this level. 5 more goals were added by the big man during the previous campaign, meaning he brings a realistic goal threat to the team as well as great defensive attributes. It’s something that will attract Garry Monk.
It’s always best to sign players when they are on the up and this is certainly true of Flint, who is on a steep upward curve right now.
Sheyi Ojo (Liverpool)
Ojo already has experience in this division, having spent time on loan as a 17-year-old at Wigan Athletic and then later on at Wolves where he scored 3 in 19 from out wide. With another 3 years’ experience behind him and a handful of Premier League appearances under his belt at Anfield, we will see a much better Ojo in the Championship this time around and he could prove to be a canny signing for Garry Monk.
At this stage, a loan move to the Championship can only mean playing first XI football every week for Ojo if he is to progress properly. Middlesbrough look like a very good option for him. For their part, Boro absolutely cannot afford to leave that position unfilled before the big kick-off and I’m certain this is a point not lost on Monk.