11 free agent defenders Middlesbrough could sign - including ex-Arsenal, Aston Villa and West Ham men
There’s no escaping Middlesbrough’s poor start to the season.
By Joe Ramage
Published 7th Oct 2021, 14:49 BST
Updated 7th Oct 2021, 14:53 BST
Neil Warnock’s side have won just three of their 11 games this campaign and suffered their fifth defeat at the hands of Hull City heading into the international break.
It has led to a growing disgruntlement at the Riverside as supporters begin to question whether or not the experienced Warnock is the right man for the job despite having guided the club to Championship safety upon his arrival at the end of the delayed 2019-20 season.
A 10th placed finish last year gave Boro fans cause for optimism heading into the new season that they could push on and look towards the Championship play-off places this time around but that, as yet, has failed to materialise.
Warnock has had to endure a rough time with injuries in the opening months of the campaign as a number of key defenders have led to the Boro boss being unable to settle on both a team and a formation.
Full-back’s Anfernee Dijksteel and Darnell Fisher remain injured along with concerns over centre back Dael Fry who went off in that defeat to Hull.
Left-back Marc Bola has also struggled with his fitness as Warnock declared the injury crisis ‘a mess’ before the international break.
But with the transfer window shut until January Warnock has little he can do to strengthen his side after admitting the challenges of bringing in free agents.
Warnock revealed he would love to add players to his squad – particularly down Boro’s left-hand-side – but conceded he may just have to ‘muck on’ with what he’s got as Boro prepare for a crunch double header at the Riverside in the space of three days when the Championship resumes next weekend.
Boro host two sides in the relegation zone in Peterborough United and Barnsley before a trip to struggling Cardiff City as Warnock looks to wrestle back control on Teesside.
But while Warnock may be concerned over the difficulties of bringing in free agents, we thought we would look at a number of defenders without a club who could potentially help the Boro boss between now and January.
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A 10th placed finish last year gave Boro fans cause for optimism heading into the new season that they could push on and look towards the Championship play-off places this time around but that, as yet, has failed to materialise.
5. Cuco Martina
Perhaps recognised more for his stunning goal against Arsenal when at Southampton, Martina is another option to be considered at right back. The 32-year-old has been without a club since leaving Everton where he also spent time on loan at Stoke City and Feyenoord. The deal with the Potters suggests Martina would play at Championship level but the Curacao international has expressed a desire to compete in MLS. Speaking to Get CONCACAFed he said: “I’d like to make it in America because it’s such a good league. I’ve followed it for two or three years now. I know some players who went there to play and all tell me great things about the league. I promised myself I’d like to make a career in America." (Photo by Christopher Lee/Getty Images) Photo: Christopher Lee
Wisdom spent four years at Pride Park making over 100 appearances for the Rams following his move from Liverpool in 2017. Given Boro’s issues at fullback in recent weeks Wisdom, who has also had spells with West Bromwich Albion and Norwich City, would be seen as a smart move for the Boro boss and at just 28-years-old there remains a number of years service in the England fullback to the point he may even be considered a regular starter at the Riverside. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) Photo: Mark Thompson
Given how Kone departed the Stadium of Light in 2018 Boro fans may be forgiven for turning a blind eye to any potential arrival of the defender at the Riverside. But the 32-year-old's form when brought into English football by Sam Allardyce should not be overlooked with a string of fine displays helping to preserve the Black Cats' Premier League status in 2016 and grab the attention of Everton for a proposed big summer transfer. After the deal collapsed Kone's form dropped too before moving to Strasbourgh in 2018 but would an opportunity back in English football be tempting to reignite his career? (Photo by Damien Meyer / AFP) (Photo by DAMIEN MEYER/AFP via Getty Images) Photo: DAMIEN MEYER
There is no doubting the ability Reid would bring to the Boro defence but the complications of a deal mean the likelihood of his arrival would have to wait until at least January which, of course, doesn't help Warnock's current injury crisis. Reid is an experienced centre back who has only just become available following his decision to depart West Ham United after 11-years with the club having spent the second half of last season on loan at play-off winners Brentford. The 33-year-old's situation is a one many clubs will be monitoring. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) Photo: Catherine Ivill