The free agents who could help struggling Middlesbrough including ex-Arsenal midfielder, ex-Liverpool defender and a Celtic target
Middlesbrough’s early season woes continued on Saturday when they were edged out by Reading at the Madejski Stadium.
By Joe Ramage
Published 27th Sep 2021, 16:23 BST
Updated 27th Sep 2021, 16:51 BST
Boro slipped to their fourth defeat of the season when Alen Halilovic bundled home 10 minutes into the second half before Matt Crooks was sent off for a questionable foul on Royals goalkeeper Luke Southwood.
It leaves the mood on Teesside a somewhat forlorn one as Neil Warnock’s side struggle at both ends of the pitch.
While injuries have taken their toll on Warnock’s side in the early stages of the season, Boro’s squad has been called into question in recent weeks.
But how can Warnock solve his current crisis on Teesside?
With the transfer window firmly slammed shut the free agent market remains the only way for any fresh faces to be brought into the Riverside and with that in mind we take a look at some of the current free agents Boro could target to help them out of their slump.
A message from the Football Clubs Editor
Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Middlesbrough coverage 365 days a year.
This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription to our new sports-only package here.
Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor.
While injuries have taken their toll on Warnock’s side in the early stages of the season, Boro’s squad has been called into question in recent weeks.
5. Josh Sims - Midfielder
Sims is a free agent after being released from Southampton in the summer having made 27 appearances for the club he came through the academy of. Sims has spent most of his time at Southampton out on loan across both the Championship and League One. The 24-year-old was linked with Portsmouth earlier in the summer but could provide an option for Warnock on the wing after a spell with Doncaster Rovers last season. (Photo by Joe Portlock/Getty Images) Photo: Joe Portlock
A player who has struggled to cement a place in teams in recent years is Ibe. Ibe recently left troubled Derby County through mutual consent after a series of fitness and personal issues plagued his time at Pride Park. The 25-year-old still has plenty of time to reshape his career and rediscover the kind of form which saw Liverpool take a plunge on him before selling him on for £15m to Bournemouth. Ibe has pace and would be another option in one of Boro’s attacking areas of the pitch when the likes of Marcus Tavernier and Onel Hernandez are struggling for form. If Warnock could coax Ibe into enjoying his football career once more on Teesside then a deal could be more than beneficial for Boro. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images) Photo: Nathan Stirk
The ex-Chelsea defender is a free agent after being released by West Brom in the summer but could offer Warnock some experience in defence - particularly if he reverts to three central defenders. Ivanovic struggled during his time at the Hawthorns but could he be the kind of experienced head in and around the squad Boro need? (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) Photo: Alex Livesey
Kone burst onto the scene at the Stadium of Light under Sam Allardyce playing a key role in the Black Cats Premier League survival in 2016. But after failing to secure a move to Everton that summer Kone’s form dropped off as Sunderland were relegated to the Championship. The Ivory Coast international joined French side Strasbourg in 2018 but has since become a free agent this summer. While Kone may not have left Wearside on the best of terms he demonstrated how strong a defender he can be. At 32-years-old Kone may see an opportunity back in English football as tempting in a bid to reignite his career. (Photo credit should read OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images) Photo: OLI SCARFF