Middlesbrough were linked with nearly 10 players on deadline day, but failed to get any deals over the line to add to the acquisitions made earlier in the window.
Middlesbrough were looking likely to be one of the busiest teams in the Football League on deadline day. After being linked to players from both the Premier League and the Championship and beyond, Boro looked like they meant business.
Deals for Everton trio Muhamed Besic, Yannick Bolasie and Cuco Martina were all reportedly ‘close’ but nothing came to fruition. Millwall pairing George Saville and Jed Wallace were subject to bids from Boro, but again no progress was made in terms of signing any players on a permanent deal.
It became apparent Middlesbrough were looking for an attacking midfielder and/or wide man, with Liverpool’s Sheyi Ojo, Albert Adomah of Aston Villa and Queens Park Rangers’ Luke Freeman all on their radar.
But although Boro’s deadline day promised so much but delivered so little, their transfer business cannot be solely based on one day, and should be judged on the window as a whole.
There was more outgoings than incomings at The Riverside, with Patrick Bamford, Ben Gibson and Adama Traore departing for big money, with Middlesbrough fetching a combined total of £45 million from the sales.
But Middlesbrough replaced Gibson with the highest Championship pedigree, bringing in Aden Flint from Bristol City, who is regarded as one of the best centre-backs in the division.
Along with Flint, Paddy McNair was brought in from Sunderland for just £5 million – a box to box player with plenty to his game, and he will add goals from midfield.
Andy Lonergan was a free agent signed to provide back up to Darren Randolph and will add good experience to the squad, which is what Tony Pulis wanted.
Although Boro didn’t get their targets on a permanent deal, the loan window is not closed until September 1st and deals could well still be in the works. Besic, Ojo and Kalas were all originally planned to be loan deals anyway, and Middlesbrough could yet bring those players in.
