Rudy Gestede’s transfer to Middlesbrough from Aston Villa has not come as a surprise to many.
Following an impressive spell with Blackburn Rovers, Rudy Gestede’s form in England has tailed off since joining Aston Villa. Whilst he does prove to be a handful at times, the 28-year-old hasn’t adapted to the Championship quite as well as was initially expected, and that his time at Ewood Park hinted at.
With a host of other forwards including Agbonlahor, Kodjia and McCormack on the books at Villa Park, this move doesn’t come as much of a surprise. Gestede always seemed to have the attitude of a player who felt he should be playing higher up the football pyramid, and a move to the Premier League meets those desires.
Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka
In terms of where the forward has gone, Middlesbrough tend to enjoy a strong powerful forward that can help create problems in the penalty area. With Negredo having good games as well as absent ones, it makes sense to try something fresh even if Gestede doesn’t exactly have a stellar record in the division.
Aston Villa’s Rudy Gestede celebrates scoring their first goal with teammates
It’s certainly a gamble for Boro, but if they were to not take him then it’s likely another side such as Hull would have snatched him up. It’s an ongoing theme with struggling teams in the top flight that they panic and look towards big names from the Championship to help out, which is a tactic that doesn’t pay off all too often.
Gestede is certainly talented, but in terms of being the leading man to guide Karanka’s men away from danger he doesn’t really seem to fit the profile.
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