When Everton’s Yannick Bolasie appeared at Middlesbrough’s training complex Rockcliffe Park this week, a loan deal in principle looked all but done.
But just a day later, Middlesbrough’s hopes turned to fears as Yannick Bolasie travelled to Aston Villa to discuss a loan deal with Aston Villa and Steve Bruce.
Now, according to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie, Middlesbrough are no longer looking favourites to sign the Everton winger, with Villa now in pole position to bring in the DR Congo international on a season-long loan.
Bolasie back in at Villa this morning. At this stage it looks like they’re favourites to get him. https://t.co/tr2uxqi6hZ
— Keith Downie (@SkySports_Keith) August 22, 2018
Boro fans have endured a tough time this transfer window, seeing three star men depart The Riverside in big money deals. Adama Traore left for Wolves, Ben Gibson joined Burnley and Patrick Bamford signed for rivals Leeds United. With a total of £45 million from these three sales alone, Boro have not invested back into the squad as much as manager Tony Pulis would have liked.
With the news of yet another deal slipping through their fingers, Middlesbrough fans have taken to social media to express their opinion on the Bolasie pursuit looking all but over.
These Boro fans would rather have players committed to the cause, and feel that the Everton winger is only dropping down a division because of a lack of offers from the English top tier.
Why do I think…? More money. He’s clearly not really committed to either club and is only joining because no premiership team wanted him. Why is that do you think…?
— Craig Robertson (@Craigyrobbo81) August 22, 2018
Seeing Boro and villa fans arguing over who bolasie wants to play for is embarrassing…The lad doesn't want to play for either it's only because no fucker wants him that he's even considering both clubs #boro #avfc
— stew (@borobaldy77) August 21, 2018
Losing out to rival clubs is worrying this Middlesbrough fan, and feels that Chairman Steve Gibson needs to overhaul the club’s recruitment given the lack of signings this transfer window.
https://twitter.com/kevinho_2/status/1032008838877261827
https://twitter.com/naywilson96/status/1032002287764484097
If Bolasie is to join Aston Villa on loan, it could see Albert Adomah shown the exit door, with Middlesbrough interested in the winger earlier in the window, this could also be an option for Tony Pulis as a plan B.
Get Albert back instead
— David Castor 🇺🇦 (@DaveCastor83) August 22, 2018
This Middlesbrough fan has come to the defence of Boro’s recruitment team, and blamed the possible failure of the deal on the location of both clubs, with Birmingham being a more favourable destination.
If Bolasie chooses Villa over us, can our fans remember it's not Bausor or the recruitment teams fault. They can't magic us up a big city to be based in, we do the best we can and if players go elsewhere so be it
— Daniel (@quarantiern) August 21, 2018
Whatever happens, it looks as though Bolasie will be joining either Middlesbrough or Aston Villa on loan for the season. Expect there to be an announcement in the coming days.
