Middlesbrough are starting to flex their financial muscle on Deadline Day. David Strelec becomes the latest player to sign for Rob Edwards’ side.
The 24-year-old striker has been brought in to Boro on a five-year deal and looks to replace and improve the outgoing Marcus Forss – who has temporarily left to join Bolton Wanderers. This vacant striking spot has opened the door for Strelec to come in and demand a place in the starting lineup.
As a Slovakia international, the 24-year-old has featured 30 times since March 2021. In those appearances for his national side, Strelec has netted seven goals and become synonymous with the Slovakian supporters as an important goalscorer. Having featured in 167 matches for Slovan Bratislava – over two separate spells – Strelec has scored 62 times for the 1. Liga side.
Edwards is assembling a side with real ambition for promotion to the Premier League. Having already been at the epicentre of a fairytale run to the top-flight with Luton Town, the 42-year-old has won all four matches in the Championship this season. Boro currently sit at the summit of the league, but were knocked out 4-0 by Doncaster Rovers in the EFL Cup.
The Slovakia international had this to say on his latest career move, and the level of quality he is eager to bring to Middlesbrough:
“I’m delighted to be here.
“There was a lot of speculation over the last nine months and I wanted to come here. I’m very happy that I’m here now and I can finally play for Boro.
“I’ve heard that the fans are amazing and I can’t wait to play in front of them.”
Writer’s View
Middlesbrough look immense at the moment. With four wins over promising Championship outfits so far, Edwards’ side have already solidified themselves as competitors for play-off promotion. In particular, the sides that will be in and around that area have been dispatched with relative ease by Boro – namely a 3-0 away victory over Alex Neil’s Millwall.
Strelec is an exciting prospect who has already become an experienced international in a Euro-participating national side. The 24-year-old will likely slot straight in to the starting lineup and will provide the must-missed profile similar to that of Emmanuel Latte Lath.
