If thing continues like this for the rest of the season, Middlesbrough will be in the Championship next season. They secured a promotion in the last season but this season hasn’t been the best for them so far to put it very mildly. They got rid of their manager Aitor Karanka but the result hasn’t changed after that as they lost to Manchester United 3-1 in the last match. The Teessiders are currently struggling in the 19th place in the Premier League table and have better than an even chance of dropping back to the Championship next season.
Three players who could leave Middlesbrough if they get relegated this season
Ben Gibson
Middlesbrough have one of the meanest defence in the Premier League and a lot of credit should go to Ben Gibson. He came through the ranks of Boro and has been rock solid in the defence in what otherwise has been a devastating season for Middlesbrough.
Gibson has been linked with a number of clubs including Arsenal. The defender is capable of playing at both left back and centre back and is only 24 years which has made him a huge prospect among Premier League clubs. It would be very tough for Middlesbrough to keep a hold of their most promising player if they get relegated this season.
Victor Valdes
The ex-Barcelona and Manchester United keeper is one of the reasons why Boro has conceded only 33 goals so far. The keeper decided to reignite his career when he joined the club in the summer of 2016 from Manchester United where he failed to clinch a permanent spot in the first team. Since then he has maintained his place in the Boro goal with some top notch performances and without him, Boro would have been in a far deeper problem than where they are right now.
With a keeper of his quality, he would definitely not want to ply his trade in the Championship as it would be a step down for him.
Gaston Ramirez
The player was on the verge of a move to Leicester City as he handed a transfer request to the club in January but Karanka blocked his move and rejected all the speculations regarding this matter. One of Boro’s problem this season has been their lack of intent in front of the goal.
Ramirez was on loan from Southampton in the last season and after helping them gain promotion to the Premier League, the club decided to sign him permanently. However, his intention of leaving the club might get finally fulfilled if Boro somehow fails to recover from their current form.
