Middlesbrough have performed admirably in their return to the Premier League.
But, the fans in the Transfer Tavern believe more needs to be done if they’re to avoid an immediate drop back to the second-tier of English football.
Aitor Karanka’s side need improvements, so the fans in the bar claim, and they believe some players will need to be offloaded to make room for these new signings – and they’ve identified three players that they think would be better off leaving the club.
Looking at their situations, our landlord believes the punters have a point and thinks the trio of mentioned names would definitely be better off elsewhere – although he’s not entirely sure if the club would approve such a large number of exits.
In the end though, the decision will need to be made and a sale could be the right move for all parties involved.
Here are THREE Boro players who’d be best off leaving the club this month…..
Jordan Rhodes
The hero of Middlesbrough’s promotion, Jordan Rhodes has struggled to make things work in the Premier League, as he has fallen behind summer signing Alvaro Negredo in the pecking order. With Aitor Karanka looking to bolster his attack, it doesn’t seem his opportunities will improve.
Rudy Gestede was signed recently, and Patrick Bamford returned to the club where he excelled on-loan, so the door seems to be open for Rhodes to leave – and a return to the Championship, where he can be a leading striker once again, seems likely.
Gaston Ramirez
Another attacking player linked with an exit, Gaston Ramirez has been linked with a move away from Middlesbrough to join Premier League champions Leicester City.
The Uruguayan seems intent on a move, so Boro shouldn’t stand in his way.
The 26-year-old has been a regular feature this season but can be replaced, so a sale for the right price could prove to be a decent piece of business for Middlesbrough – especially if they invest the funds they receive correctly.
Daniel Ayala
The 26-year-old is a bit-part member of the squad these days and has made just eight first-team appearances this season.
With six of those being starts, Ayala is often overlooked and should seek an exit this month.
Last appearing in the FA Cup against Sheffield Wednesday, where he was sent off, Ayala is not a key-member of the squad and Middlesbrough would be able to cope without him- so he wouldn’t be missed.
