Middlesbrough have emerged as seriously active players in the summer window following initial fan concern over squad quality. The Teesside club announced a sixth signing today – Adilson Malanda.
Following a move from Charlotte FC in the MLS, Boro have snapped up Malanda for an undisclosed fee. The 23-year-old has been brought in to Rob Edwards’ side on a five-year deal but will arrive from his former club permanently in November.
Malanda will be filling a depleted defensive catalogue, with Rav van den Berg moving to 1. FC Köln for around £6.5 million and Paddy McNair and Matt Clarke leaving the club last summer. However, a longer-term plan for the American defender is clearly the patient priority for Boro; they look content to face this campaign with Alfie Jones, Dael Fry, George Edmundson and Darragh Lenihan being the prioritised first team centre-backs.
Additions Are Perfect So Far
Edwards’ side have shown their resolve in keeping assets like Hayden Hackney at the club while strengthening the midfield department. Sverre Halseth Nypan has been brought in on a year-long loan from Manchester City. The Premier League giants purchased the Norweigen prospect from Rosenborg this summer and has been earmarked as one to watch considering his exceptional promise.
Within a couple of weeks, the Teesiders have been transformed from a team in crisis to play-off hopefuls once more (an optimistic ambition change). New signings Abdoulaye Kante, Callum Britain, Jones and Sontje Hansen have strengthened this ambition massively. Sitting second in the table after 1-0 (against Swansea City) and 3-0 (away at Millwall) victories against anticipated sides this season will likely see Malanda join his new side at the right time ahead of the gruelling December period.
Writer’s View
Malanda has been a mainstay in the Charlotte lineup for three years now, after an initial six-match inaugural season in 2022. Boro will be claiming the 23-year-old at a time where he has developed enough to strengthen the defensive line at some point this season.
Charlotte’s number 29 will offer more one-on-one physicality than some of the other options in Edwards’ side. 85.7% of tackles won per 90 last year ranked exceptionally high compared to MLS centre-backs and will add a new profile for Boro. Malanda’s stamina and resilience will help the Teesiders through a difficult December patch and beyond.
