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.
9. Ahmed Elmohamady - Defender
Elmohamady is no stranger to the North East having spent three years at Sunderland in the Premier League. While the Egyptian may be reaching the twilight of his career following his release from Aston Villa in the summer, Elmohamady would represent solid back-up down Boro’s right-hand-side should the injuries to Anfernee Dijksteel and Darnell Fisher worsen. (Photo by Henry Browne/Getty Images) Photo: Henry Browne
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. The 33-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at Brentford and made 11 appearances as the Bees secured promotion to the Premier League. Based on that alone Reid would prove to be an astute piece of business for Boro where he would more than likely become an instant starter in defence. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) Photo: Jamie Squire
Niasse is no stranger to boss Warnock after he joined the Boro manager at Cardiff City in the Premier League in 2019 where he failed to score in 13 appearances. The 31-year-old’s most recent spell was with Huddersfield Town but the Senegal international didn’t register a single appearance in his four months at the John Smith’s Stadium. Niasse has struggled to rekindle the form he displayed at Lokomotiv Moscow which persuaded Everton to part with £13.5m for his services but dropping down to Championship level with a manager he knows could help discover that form and help Boro to improve their goal tally. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) Photo: Catherine Ivill
While the thought of Wilshere may cause one or two supporters to roll their eyes, there can be no denying the former Arsenal midfielder has more than enough quality and at 29-years-old still has time on his side. Wilshere spent the second half of last season on-loan at Bournemouth, where he made 17 appearances in all competitions, which suggests the midfielder would be more than willing to join another Championship club. In a recent interview with The Athletic Wilshere insisted he has never felt better in terms of his fitness having learned to manage his body. Could a fully fit Wilshere, under the tutelage of Warnock, be something that could work at the Riverside? His experience and guile in midfield would allow Crooks to move further up the pitch and allow Boro to maintain possession more in games. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) Photo: Mike Hewitt