Middlesbrough’s return to the Premier League after 7 long years was never going to be a smooth ride straightaway and Aitor Karanka had realised that very early in the summer. He took on an aggressive approach in the transfer market and went after a number of players as he was honest enough to admit that the same tactics with the same players who had gotten promotion were never going to be sufficient to survive in the top-flight.
The likes of Negredo, De Roon, Ramirez (on a permanent transfer), Traore, Fischer and Chambers came in amongst others. And while the new arrivals have slowly but steadily gelled with their teammates and although things are not the rosiest for Boro, they are not in any immediate danger of slipping into the relegation zone.
But to avoid that completely, Karanka has decided to carry on his spending spree and has already brought in two attackers to the club. And this has, in turn, led to an important player of their promotion bid, Gaston Ramirez, hand in a transfer request. The Uruguayan was already frustrated at being played out of position and was supposedly unsettled with the frequent changes to the formation and team.
With the former Southampton player looking certain to leave, let us take a look at 3 possible destinations for him in the Premier League.
LEICESTER CITY
The Foxes have already been linked with a move for him and it is a move which is likely to benefit both parties. While Leicester are not exactly in a comfortable position right now and are certainly not having an enjoyable period, the opportunity to play in the Champions League will be a huge draw for the player.
And with the Foxes desperately needing some changes to their approach play, Ramirez might be the person to do exactly that.
STOKE CITY
The Potters have also struggled this season initially but have sort of turned things around lately. Mark Hughes will be a relieved man but he would know that there have to be further changes in order to sustain this newly found momentum and translate it into a competent league finish.
They have signed Berahino to solve their striking woes but they still lack depth in the creative department. And with Bojan linked with a move to the Riverside Stadium, there might be a like for like swap between the two clubs.
HULL CITY
The Tigers have seemingly decided to cash in on players and after Livermore, it seems certain that Robert Snodgrass will be making a move too. Marco Silva needs replacements and Gaston Ramirez will certainly be an option for them.
They can afford his wages and an initial loan spell looks to be on the cards and with the Uruguayan used to playing with a lot of responsibility on his shoulders, he will fit in at the KCOM Stadium.
