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Karanka’s move to sign Rudy Gestede from Aston Villa was always a recipe for failure

Middlesbrough's Rudy Gestede in action with Crystal Palace's James Tomkins (REUTERS)
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Middlesbrough’s move to sign Rudy Gestede from Aston Villa was never a solution to their problems.

Middlesbrough manager Aitor KarankaSacked… Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka

Middlesbrough parted ways with Aitor Karanka yesterday, in a move which to some supporters was seen as well overdue.

Boro’s form has been on the slide in 2017, with the side sitting in the relegation zone and facing the prospect of slipping straight back own into the Championship.

Karanka had backing in the transfer window, but his moves were more of a cry for help, and doomed to failure.

A move to re-sign Patrick Bamford is yet to pay off, and his signing of Rudy Gestede from Aston Villa was a desperate move to turn Boro’s inability to score around.

Gestede struggled at Aston Villa last season, scoring just five goals, and he is yet to net in six Premier League appearances for Middlesbrough since signing.

Middlesbrough's Rudy Gestede in action with Crystal Palace's James TomkinsMiddlesbrough’s Rudy Gestede in action with Crystal Palace’s James Tomkins

In 41 top flight games for Villa and Middlesbrough, Gestede has been on the winning team only once.

Middlesbrough paid £6 million to sign Gestede from Villa, and it is hard to see what they saw, with his four goals in 18 Championship games hardly impressive.

The 28-year-old striker now has a fresh start with Karanka gone, but he has shown little sign of being the solution to their problems.