Neil Warnock explains Harold Moukoudi departure and praises St-Etienne defender for wanting to stay at Middlesbrough

Harold Moukoudi made eight appearances for Middlesbrough during a loan spell from St-Etienne.

The 22-year-old centre-back joined Boro on loan in January, a deal which expired on June 30 after the season was originally scheduled to finish.

Moukoudi did agree to stay on Teesside beyond that date after games were delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic, with his last game for the Teessiders coming against QPR on July 5.

Yet St-Etienne’s involvement in the Coupe de France final against PSG on July 24 means the French side wanted to recall the defender.

“We tried to get him until the end of the season but they have a cup final on the 24th and they wanted Harold for that,” said Boro boss Neil Warnock when asked about Moukoudi’s departure.

"In fairness to the boy he wanted to stay and help us but the club insisted so we had no option, in fact we were fortunate to have him for the two or three games which we had him for.”

Warnock has repeatedly said Boro’s squad is short of natural defenders, and Moukoudi’s exit means even less options at the back.

"He was just getting fit as well Harold,” added Warnock. “He just looked strong enough but that’s Sod’s law really, it’s just how it goes.

"We just have to get more out of what we’ve got and claw over that line."