Moving into the end of most hottest transfer month that is July, we’re now looking at new transfer news and rumours coming out of Middlesbrough. After the appointment of their new manager, Jonathan Woodgate, the 39 year old former England and Boro’ defender decided that he wants to boost his attack and is also looking for cover at centre-half and full-back.
Though Boro’ are yet to announce any new faces, the club is still hopeful of being busy in the coming fortnight. There are only two-and-a-half weeks left to the deadline. Woodgate, however, is adamant in bringing in fresh talent.
So, for now, there’s no fresh new links to discuss but there is some buzz surrounding three former Boro’ players: Ben Gibson, Andy Lonergan and Patrick Bamford. Let’s see where these ex-players are now!
Ben Gibson
Ben Gibson, former defender for the Boro’, is reportedly on new Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce’s radar. The new manager, although facing a ton of criticism for leaving Sheffield United, is determined to welcome Gibson into the squad. Gibson’s journey in Burnley began frustratingly as he had to force himself up the team. But he’s now featuring in many pre-season friendlies; working on his fitness and physical health too.
It’s unclear as to whether Burnley would be willing to let Gibson after just one year. Dyche praises his attitude, even though he didn’t play much football last season.
Andy Lonergan
Andy Lonergan, former goalkeeper for the Boro’, is surprisingly at Liverpool due to a selection crisis in goal; Simon Mignolet currently the only first-team keeper available to Jurgen Klopp.
Klopp is invested in the project at Liverpool and returning the club to the top of Europe. By recruiting Lonergan, he gets a keeper who brings a wealth of experience at the age of 35. Lonergan has represented the likes of Leeds United, Preston North End and Bolton Wanderers throughout his long career. So, the Reds are sure to benefit.
Alisson Becker, supposedly the World’s Best Defender, is still on holiday after his Copa America success with Brazil. Kamil Grabara has a new contract with the Reds, but is at Huddersfield Town on loan. And fellow academy keepers Caoimhin Kelleher and Vitezslav Jaros are both out with injury.
Liverpool keeper coach John Achterberg told the club website: “We do this because obviously we are really light in the goalkeeping area.
“We need some cover in training so we thought we’d bring someone in who can help us (so we) don’t overload the goalkeepers in training.
Patrick Bamford
Former Boro’ striker Patrick Bamford had a rocky first season at Leeds United. Some Leeds fans are losing their patience with Bamford; the striker missing an absolute sitter in a friendly in Australia.
Bamford joined Leeds from Middlesbrough last summer in a deal which could rise to £10million. But he has yet to prove good value for money at Elland Road. Columnist David Prutton told the Yorkshire Post: “Patrick has got to make sure that he is a bit more effective and that he contributes more towards what the team does.”
