While Middlesbrough have been thwarted in a number of attempts to sign players in the January window, they have also balanced that out with a number of signings which have gone through. The likes of Patrick Bamford and Rudy Gestede have come in to bolster the attacking options.
Last summer, Middlesbrough completed a number of transfers, many of which were mightily close to being considered as the most jaw-dropping transfer of the window. But some heavyweight deals in the ilk of the world-record move of Pogba to Manchester United took a bit of attention away from Middlesbrough’s surprise additions.
The likes of Negredo and Victor Valdes joined the club while a move for Subotic fell apart at the last minute. All this pointed to Boro’s determination and their target of setting up their tent in the top flight for the foreseeable future. And they also tried that this window with a number of signings but haven’t quite managed to pull that off.
Boro, on their return to the top-flight, after a long hiatus of 7 years were uncertain and circumspect in the initial days. While Karanka strung together a capable team, the players were finding it hard to carry on at the same level for 90 minutes against the top-class opponents. His patent 4-2-3-1 formation was not getting the best out of the players and they were repeatedly failing to outmuscle or outplay their opposition which saw them caught in no man’s land with neither the attackers flourishing nor the defenders.
The former Real Madrid assistant coach then effected a slight tactical tweak and employed a 3-man midfield which, to the surprise of many, was instrumental in vital draws against Arsenal and Manchester City. They were suddenly extremely difficult to score against and hence difficult to beat and the team bore a much more solid look about them.
But in turn of that new found solidity, they had to sacrifice on the attacking front and Karanka looked to fix that with an injection of new blood in January, who will be capable of coming in and increasing their depth in quality.
And with that part of the side taken care of, he has turned his attention to increasing his options in the middle of the park and has narrowed down to Watford midfielder Adlene Guedioura as someone who will be suited for that role.
Middlesbrough have agreed a fee in the region of £4 million with Watford for Guedioura and they have beaten off interest from Hull to land the 31-year-old.
Guedioura has only just returned from the African Nations Cup with Algeria, where he featured in all three group games. He has made 12 Premier League appearances for Watford so far this season but he has been unable to hold down a regular spot in Walter Mazzarri’s side.
But he will bring in experience and a different dimension to the midfield. The likes of De Roon, Clayton and Forshaw aren’t the best going forward and Guedioura will give Karanka that option. He can be equally effective in fortifying the midfield and has the necessary skill-set to have a positive impact while going forward.
