Middlesbrough were dealt a blow in their latest home match when a newly resurgent West Ham United brushed them aside to claim a 3-1 win at the Riverside Stadium. It was an untimely blow for Aitor Karanka who had hoped that by now the team would have been settled enough to avoid these sorts of collapses. They are now in the 16th spot and uncomfortably close to the relegation spot. While a newly promoted team would have been given the benefit of the doubt in other instances, Karanka’s splurge in the summer and the continued trend of buying players in this window also has heightened expectations from fans who now expect a mid-table finish at least.
While Karanka has stated that he needs more players for that to be achievable, he is all set to lose one of his important promotion campaign stars in Gaston Ramirez. The Uruguayan who signed a permanent contract in the summer is said to be displeased with his wide role and the constant changes up front. And with the team not exactly setting the stage on fire as far as attack is concerned, he might be allowed to leave.
Let us take a look at three potential replacements for the former Southampton star.
BOJAN KRKIC
The Stoke City star has been strongly linked with a move to the Teesiders and after falling out of favour at Stoke City is said to be open to a move.
The Spanish connection will help immensely and with Karanka in need of quality in and around the box, the former Barcelona man might well be the answer to their impotency up top.
ROBERT SNODGRASS
The Hull City winger has been continually linked with moves away from the club after turning down a contract extension and if Karanka was to show firm interest, the deal will certainly be on. Middlesbrough seemingly have money to spare and can splurge unlike the likes of Celtic who were interested as well.
Snodgrass can play on the wings and through the middle and will add a whole new dimension to their approach play. Deadly from set-pieces as well, he will be quite the singing.
ASHLEY YOUNG
Yeah, the forgotten Manchester United wide man who has suffered a couple of years at the Old Trafford struggling with his best position and his career has nosedived. He desperately needs to start playing and has to let the financial side take a backseat.
A move to Middlesbrough won’t be the worst option. With his experience in the Premier League likely to eclipse others at Boro, he will certainly get a new lease of life. Karanka’s friendship with Jose Mourinho will also play an important role if Boro did decide to make a move for the out of favour player.
