Boro Summer Transfer Window - Review

The transfer window has slammed shut and it brought 12 new players to the Riverside, the busiest window in Middlesbrough FC's history.

Although deadline day passed with not as many new arrivals as fans were hoping for, the clamour for some clubs trying desperately to get bodies in shows just how impressive Boro’s early business really was.

While Albert Adomah, Adam Reach and Alex Baptiste all left, Boro did more than enough in the window to improve their squad.

As well as the 12 signings, a number of key players signed new deals so there’s no doubt that Aitor Karanka and Steve Gibson will look back on this summer with a lot of pride and a great sense of achievement.

Viktor Fischer – £3.8m from Ajax

Once one the most promising youngsters in Europe, the Denmark international joined Boro in what looked like an absolute bargain for Aitor Karanka.

Fischer hasn’t really had the chance to impress just yet, although an impressive display in pre-season against Aston Villa got Boro fans excited for what was to come from the winger.

Definitely needs time to bed in at the club and the Premier League, but the fact he was attracted to a move to Teesside when he was previously linked with European giants bodes well for the club and Aitor Karanka.

Bernardo Espinoza – free transfer from Sporting Gijon

It’s difficult to judge the Colombian defender given that he still hasn’t made a first-team appearance for the club but the signs are positive so far.

After featuring for the under-21 side twice this season, boss Paul Jenkins has sung on his praises on a number of occasions, even going so far to claim that Boro fans will love Bernardo.

Has got a fight to get into the starting XI but he’s bound to be given the chance at some point this season.

Marten de Roon – £11.75m from Atalanta

De Roon has become a bit of a fans’ favourite despite only playing 22 minutes of competitive football for the club.

The Dutch midfielder became one of the club’s most expensive signings in the club’s history when he arrived from Italian side Atalanta and it was a huge signal of intent for the club to spend that much on a defensive midfielder.

If he continues to impressive in the way he has in pre-season, de Roon will be a huge success for Boro.

Jordan McGhee – season-long loan from Hearts

Boro fans shouldn’t expect to see too much of the Scottish defender as the club were told that he was signed for the development squad.

Early signs suggest that McGhee could be a handy player for the club in future but there’s still a while to go before Boro make a decision on his future.

Victor Valdes – free transfer from Manchester United

Arguable the most decorated player to have ever worn the red of Middlesbrough Football Club, Valdes caused uproar among Boro fans 24 hours before signing by following the club on Twitter.

Valdes, a World Cup and 3 time Champions League winner, certainly has the pedigree to be a success at the club in spite of his ageing years.

He was criticised by some for his positioning for Xherdan Shaqiri’s free-kick in the opening game of the season but if he can stay fit, this move will be a masterstroke from Aitor Karanka.

Antonio Barragan – £3m from Valencia

The former Liverpool defender joined Boro in what seemed to be a Mark Wilson-esque buy one, get one free deal during the Alvaro Negredo negotiations.

But the 29-year-old has been fantastic signing for Aitor Karanka and he has played in every defensive position for the club except his natural one!

The £3m Steve Gibson paid for Barragan looks like it could be a bargain for the club if he continues to impress.

Alvaro Negredo – season-long loan from Valencia

One of the big-money names to arrive at the club this summer was one that got the fans excited for the big kick-off.

A debut goal and an impressive display in the Wear-Tees derby as endeared him to supporters and fans will hope that he can continue his start with more goals.

So far, Negredo has been one of the signings of the summer and supporters will hope it continues for a long time.

Gaston Ramirez – free transfer from Southampton

After last season finished, high on every fan’s wish list was to sign loan star Gaston Ramirez on a permanent deal, and despite it turning into a bit of a saga, Boro got their man eventually.

He started with an assist on the opening day and his relationship with supporters has continued to grow ever since he signed a three-year deal with the club.

A lot of pressure on him to succeed given the nature of Aitor Karanka’s system, but on his day its clear to see his ability.

Brad Guzan – free transfer from Aston Villa

Guzan arrived at Boro with a sense of disappointment from fans as he came from a dreadful Aston Villa team and the realisation that Dimi Konstantopoulos probably wouldn’t get an opportunity set in.

After an impressive pre-season debut, Guzan has struggled to assert himself in some games and it is clear that he hasn’t yet regained his confidence from last season.

Guzan is only expected to be back up to fellow summer signing Valdes but he needs to gain some of his confidence back if he is going to be a success.

Fabio da Silva – £2m from Cardiff City

The former Manchester United defender joined Boro on a two-year deal after the club activated his £2m release clause.

Similar to Marten de Roon, Fabio’s debut was cut short through injury but he did claim an assist for David Nugent’s goal against Fulham in the EFL Cup.

Fabio isn’t expected to play many games for the club as its difficult to see him displacing George Friend.

Calum Chambers – season-long loan from Arsenal

We all know that Aitor Karanka likes versatile players in his Boro squad and Chambers certainly gives the manager options all across the back four and in defensive midfield.

Chambers is a player with a lot of potential and his versatility is bound to help him get into the side.

If given game time and a chance to prove himself, this could a fantastic signing for Boro.

Adama Traore – undisclosed fee from Aston Villa

Boro’s second arrival from Aston Villa this summer saw the former Barcelona youth player join the club in what looks like a replacement for Birmingham-bound Albert Adomah.

Fans have wanted the club to sign a pacey wide man for some time now and Traore will definitely fix that problem.

He’s absolutely lightening and he’s positive going forward, so at just 20-years-old, he could be a great signing for the club.