Middlesbrough are set to sign Zack Steffen on loan for the season and the Manchester City goalkeeper could make his debut on the opening day of the new term against West Brom.
Chris Wilder hosts Steve Bruce’s men at the Riverside Stadium to see in the Championship campaign on July 30. The encounter marks the first time that Boro raise the curtain for the season at home since drawing with Stoke City in the inaugural clash for the 2016/17 term.
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Middlesbrough will hope Steffen’s anticipated arrival on Teesside also aids Wilder’s bid to secure the club’s first opening day win since 2014. Boro have drawn five of their last seven opening games, whilst losing in 2017 at would-be champions Wolves and 2020 at Watford.
Middlesbrough set to sign Zack Steffen on loan from Manchester City
Wilder has so far secured three signings as he strives to shape a Middlesbrough squad able to push for promotion. Boro added Liam Roberts for free as his contract with Northampton had expired to act as a backup in goal along with deals for Darragh Lenihan and Ryan Giles.
Now, The Northern Echo claim Middlesbrough are set to sign Steffen on loan, with the 27-year-old due for a medical on Friday with the aim of finalising his transfer from Manchester City over the weekend. He will sign a one-year deal with Boro after weeks of negotiations.
The Citizens gave their final sign off to Steffen moving to Teesside during the last few days. His arrival at the Riverside will present the American with his first chance to be the number one since his Fortuna Dusseldorf loan in 2019/20, after two years as Ederson’s understudy.
Steffen has pushed for a temporary move away from the Etihad Stadium this summer in a bid to cement his claim to be the USMNT’s first-choice at the Qatar World Cup. The 29-cap shot-stopper only featured in one Premier League fixture in each of the past two seasons.
Middlesbrough are not expected to have any work permit issues stop Wilder from signing Steffen on loan from Manchester City. So, the Pennsylvania-born star should start the new term as his number one, when Bruce and his West Brom side visit the Riverside on July 30.
Zack Steffen (GK): Middlesbrough set to sign Manchester City ace on loan
Wilder has sought to sign Steffen on loan from Manchester City, whilst adding Roberts as a backup, following the temporary departure of Joe Lumley. Boro allowed the 27-year-old to join Reading on loan, despite keeping 13 clean sheets during 34 league fixtures last season.
Grant Hall (CB): Chris Wilder to afford defender final chance to save future
West Brom’s visit to Middlesbrough on the opening day may give Grant Hall a final chance to save his Riverside future. Wilder has confirmed, via quotes by Teesside Live, that ‘Hall is available’ for a transfer this year after the 30-year-old made eight league outings last term.
Dael Fry (CB): Vital presence in Chris Wilder’s plans to spearhead 2022/23 line
Dael Fry is a vital presence in Wilder’s plans and will spearhead Middlesbrough’s defensive line in the upcoming season. His aggressive playing style and strong defensive talents have allowed the Boro-born centre-half to make 174 senior appearances for his hometown side.
Darragh Lenihan (CB): Middlesbrough signing to stand in for Paddy McNair
Middlesbrough will see in the Championship season at home to West Brom without Paddy McNair with the defender suspended. The Northern Ireland ace earned a straight red card away to Preston North End on the final day after he handled a goal-bound shot on the line.
McNair’s absence should now offer Hall a chance to start against the Baggies, as well as for summer signing Lenihan. The 28-year-old has signed a four-year contract at Boro as a free agent after turning down fresh terms at Blackburn Rovers after 252 appearances for them.
Isaiah Jones (RM): Middlesbrough to fend off Premier League interest
Middlesbrough will hope they can fend off Premier League interest in Isaiah Jones as Djed Spence is set to sign for Tottenham Hotspur.The Athletic report Spence is on the verge of joining Spurs with a medical planned for the dynamic wing-back within the next 48 hours.
Antonio Conte, plus Manchester United and London rivals Chelsea, also admire Jones, per 90min. The 23-year-old produced a tremendous breaktout season last term with his form from the right-flank, having offered nine assists and a goal over 42 Championship outings.
Matt Crooks (CM): Neil Warnock found Boro a bargain in 2021 swoop
Neil Warnock found Middlesbrough a bargain during his Teesside tenure last year, having signed Matt Crooks from Rotherham United for just £1m. The 28-year-old went on to play 40 Championship games for 10 goals and two assists, and will be key for Wilder next term.
Riley McGree (CM): Middlesbrough signing should rule out more after Steffen
Wilder will hope to see Riley McGree make big leaps with his performances next season as the 23-year-old has not been perfect since joining Middlesbrough from MLS side Charlotte FC in January. But the Australian has shown promise with two goals in 11 league matches.
His winter signing should ensure Middlesbrough do not need to add to their engine room following Steffen’s temporary arrival from Manchester City ahead of hosting West Brom.
Jonny Howson (CM): Veteran midfielder to skipper the Riverside ship again
Jonny Howson will skipper the Riverside ship once again next season after the experienced midfielder penned a new contract. The 34-year-old’s previous deal expired on June 30, but signed one-year terms to stay on as Middlesbrough’s captain after 230 games for the club.
Marcus Tavernier (LM): Boro product to prove his Premier League potential
Middlesbrough will be loath to lose their academy product, Marcus Tavernier, with the 23-year-old displaying Premier League potential on Teesside. The left-midfielder has recorded 18 goals and 18 assists in 155 first-team games, with five of each in the last league season.
Thomas Henry (ST): Middlesbrough make Venezia offer as Boro step up interest
Middlesbrough have made Venezia an offer to sign Thomas Henry, as Wilder steps up his interest in the 27-year-old. That’s according to Sky Sports, who report Boro have made a £7.5m bid against competition from Hellas Verona after his nine goals in Serie A last term.
Dwight Gayle (ST): Middlesbrough are interested in Newcastle forward
Wilder is keen to see Middlesbrough sign multiple strikers before their opening day clash with West Brom after losing Aaron Connolly, Folarin Balogun and Andraz Sporar. So, The Northern Echo also note Boro have made Newcastle an offer for Dwight Gayle’s services.
The Magpies are also eager to offload Gayle as he has no role to play in Eddie Howe’s team next season. But Boro’s bid, nor offers from West Brom and Watford, satisfied the Toon or Gayle. He is sought-after in the second-tier for 59 goals in 100 Championship games so far.
Wilder will hope Middlesbrough can now make progress toward signing a striker soon after completing the loan arrival of Steffen from Manchester City before hosting West Brom.
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