Middlesbrough secured promotion back to the Premier League after a gap of seven years when they secured an automatic promotion ending their last season as the runner-up to Burnley. In order to ensure that they can challenge in the top flight, Boro were quick to identify and close their transfer deals quite early.
The club had shopped really sensibly and by doing their business early they gave themselves the chance of bedding in the youngsters into the squad. The Riverside Stadium saw eight arrivals in the summer, Atalanta’s defensive midfielder Marten de Roon became the most expensive signing of the club ever when manager Aitor Karanka sanctioned an amount of £12m for the player. The signing of exciting talent Viktor Fischer, who was roped in from Ajax, was a real statement of intent showing the managers ability to attract talent.
So far, it can be said that the signings have contributed to the cause with Winger Adama Traore who was signed late in the window being really impressive so far. Loan signing from Arsenal, Calum Chambers, has looked like a player slowly gaining back his confidence under the Boro Manager, who himself was a cultured defender during his time, being really solid in the 5 games he has played for Boro.
The signings of Gaston Ramirez (for free after a loan spell) and Alvaro Negredo, two players with lots of experience, has been really productive for the riverside club. Gaston Ramirez has been vital to the offensive play of the team and has assisted once while scoring a wonder goal against Bournemouth, showing his potential in his 10 appearances.
Former Manchester City forward Alvaro Negredo was signed on loan to provide the firepower upfront. The Spaniard has been expectedly a dominant force in the air winning an incredible 5.5 headers per game holding the ball up top allowing his mates to move up field.
The striker has looked a bit rusty in front scoring just once, wasting quite a few good opportunities but his three assists, which is the highest for his team till now, helped Karanka’s men to be decisive in key moments against teams.
Karanka’s record signing de Roon, however, failed to fully settle in to perform at the top of his game much like Viktor Fischer but the signs look promising enough for them hitting their stride in the future.
Victor Valdez, signed on free from Manchester United, has been the 1st choice since the first two games replacing another new signing Brad Guzan under the bar. After a good start to the season, Middlesbrough lost their way a bit with a single win in their last six games. Nevertheless, with 5 points from the last 3 matches, there are signs of betterment displayed and with the players they have including the new ones, Boro won’t be in too much of a bother by the end of the season it seems.
