Middlesbrough’s Uruguayan striker Gaston Ramirez has handed in a transfer request, amid reports League Champions Leicester are looking to sign him this month.
Ramirez, who joined Boro from fellow Premier League side Southampton on a free transfer last summer, is thought to be enjoying his life at the Riverside Stadium. He has all but cemented his place in the first team at the club so far, appearing in 17 league matches for the club, scoring two goals and notching three assists.
But Boro were given a shock when Ramirez handed in his transfer request on Wednesday. According to Sky Sports, the Uruguayan centre-forward is keen to join the defending league champions and is eager to learn under the tutelage of manager Claudio Ranieri.
For his part, Boro boss Aitor Karanka is adamant Ramirez will stay with the club for the foreseeable future. In an interview with Sky Sports, Karanka said, “He is staying.”
“He is enjoying it a lot and is a really important player for us, having only arrived one year ago,” Karanka added.
While it remains to be seen whether Ramirez will indeed remain as a Middlesbrough player before the month ends, Leicester should capitalise nevertheless on the Uruguayan’s apparent interest to join the foxes.
Leicester have problems of their own when it comes to strikers leaving their club. Foxes target man Leonard Ulloa has handed in a transfer request as well, obviously due to his dissatisfaction of his playing time. Recording signing Islam Slimani is also thought to be heading towards an exit from Leicester amid interest from the Chinese Super League.
With the club in danger of losing a goal scorer, Ramirez is the perfect man to answer those problems. With the Uruguayan having handed in a transfer request, Leicester can get the striker at a cheaper fee – something of a privilege during the January transfer window when every player’s stock is inflated.
At a lower price, Leicester can get themselves a proven goal scorer. Just last season, he scored 7 goals in just 18 appearances for Boro. He is good on his feet, has the clinical touch, and has the ability to make key passes while playing his role as the front man – something Ranieri desperately need at this time in an effort to save Leicester from relegation.
If Leicester can snap up Ramirez, then things should look a little bit more positive for the league champions.
Ramirez has a contract with Middlesbrough until 2019.