Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka claims the addition of another midfielder is his top priority in the January transfer window.
Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka has told the club’s official website that he considers the acquisition of a new midfielder to be a top priority in the January transfer window.
The Championship promotion hopefuls already have several options on their books, but greater strength in depth is being sought.
The Boro are the lowest scorers in the top seven of the second-tier, so creativity could be something they seek in the winter market.
Karanka is not expecting to be overly busy in the coming weeks, though, with it his opinion that only minor tweaks are required at the Riverside Stadium.
He told the club’s official website: “We need one midfielder. We are working towards one, but there’s nothing clear at this stage. It’s quite difficult in January.
“Last January was different because we were building the squad, but the squad is built now, and we’re in a different position this season.”
The Opta statistics below show how Middlesbrough’s current crop of midfielders has fared this season.
| Goal Assist | Total Att Assist | Total Tackle | Won Tackle | Total Pass | Accurate Pass | Appearances | Mins Played | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adam Reach | 5 | 23 | 38 | 32 | 625 | 461 | 24 | 1,724 |
| Grant Leadbitter | 4 | 54 | 46 | 36 | 1,318 | 1,094 | 24 | 2,064 |
| Albert Adomah | 2 | 26 | 48 | 36 | 559 | 413 | 22 | 1,788 |
| Adam Clayton | 0 | 20 | 56 | 45 | 948 | 801 | 21 | 1,484 |
| Dean Whitehead | 0 | 5 | 22 | 16 | 526 | 440 | 13 | 824 |
They appear to have enough bite in the middle of the park, with those at Karanka’s disposal prepared to get stuck in.
He may go in search of another ball-player, though, with Grant Leadbitter dominating when it comes to getting in possession and endeavouring to make things happen.
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