A host of Premier League clubs are preparing £9 million offers for Harold Moukoudi on the back of his impressive spell at Middlesbrough, according to French publication Sports.
Highlight packages can be a little misleading at times. Just ask Boro fans.
After all, Moukoudi somehow managed to score an own goal in each of his first two games in Middlesbrough colours – but do not make the mistake in assuming that this classy centre-half has been a disaster of a signing on Riverside.
While he didn’t exactly cover himself in glory against Brentford and Wigan, Moukoudi has looked head and shoulders above the rest for 95 per cent of his time in the North East.
“He’s going to be a real player,” Boro boss Jonathan Woodgate, who wasn’t a bad centre-half in his own playing days, told the Gazette recently.
“His composure, he’s very good on the ball; quick, strong. He’s going to be a very good player that kid.”
It remains to be seen, however, whether Moukoudi will be offered the opportunity to fulfil his vast potential in familiar surroundings.
Before the global health crisis reared it’s ugly head, it seemed only a matter of time before Middlesbrough signed the 22-year-old Cameroon international on a permanent basis.
But with football mired in a financial crisis of unprecedented levels, that £9 million price-tag is likely to be well beyond the means of a Championship outfit.
St Etienne will sell to the highest bidder. And, as Sports point out, there is no shortage of Premier League clubs now showing an interest.
With Daniel Ayala and Dael Fry also heavily tipped to leave the Riverside too, Woodgate could soon have a defensive nightmare on his hands.
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