Middlesbrough Receive £20m Bid Amid Star Exit Rumours

Middlesbrough striker Emmanuel Latte Lath has reportedly been the subject of a £20m bid from MLS side Atlanta United, according to The Northern Echo.

The Championship club now faces a tough decision as they weigh up their play-off ambitions against the prospect of a record-breaking transfer deal.

Latte Lath in Demand

The 24-year-old Ivorian has been a standout performer for Michael Carrick’s Middlesbrough side this season, scoring 10 goals in their push for a play-off spot. Since joining Boro, Latte Lath has netted 28 goals in 64 appearances, cementing himself as one of the Championship’s top strikers.

While several clubs, including Leeds United, Leicester City, and Ipswich Town, have been linked with the striker, Atlanta United have become the first to make a concrete offer. The MLS side, keen to complete the deal before their season kicks off next month, would make this transfer a record-breaking one for their league. Premier League side West Ham have also reportedly shown interest, especially in light of Niclas Füllkrug’s recent injury.

Can Middlesbrough Afford to Let Him Go?

Latte Lath’s departure would leave a significant gap in Boro’s attack. While the Teessiders have spread their goals across the team – with 43 league goals this season, second only to leaders Leeds United – the striker’s contribution remains pivotal. His partnership with summer signing Tommy Conway has provided Carrick with a dynamic frontline, with Conway also chipping in with eight goals.

Should Latte Lath leave, Conway would likely take on the mantle of lead striker. However, with limited depth beyond injury-prone Marcus Forss and Delano Burgzorg, Middlesbrough may need to recruit additional firepower to maintain their attacking edge.

What’s Next for Boro?

Middlesbrough will need to put transfer speculation aside as they prepare for a crucial run of fixtures. They face relegation-threatened Portsmouth in their next league game, aiming to bounce back after their recent FA Cup exit.

Following the trip to Fratton Park, Boro will host play-off rivals West Brom at the Riverside. With the Baggies just below Middlesbrough in the table and potentially under new management, the match will be a key test of Carrick’s side’s ambitions to secure promotion this season.

Writer’s View

Middlesbrough face a defining moment in their season. While the £20m bid for Latte Lath is tempting, letting go of their top scorer mid-campaign could derail their play-off hopes. Michael Carrick has built an exciting attacking side, but losing the Ivorian would leave a gap that won’t be easy to fill. The next few weeks could shape not only their January transfer window but also the outcome of their promotion push.

 

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