Why Aitor Karanka is increasing his appeal to top clubs through his work with Middesbrough

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As Middlesbrough embark on their first Premier League campaign since 2009, Aitor Karanka is making statements in the transfer window, convincing many people that it won’t be a brief return.

A near miss of automatic promotion in 2015 to Watford, followed by a Play-Off final loss to Norwich could’ve put their aspirations and hopes of a top flight reunion back.  But after a dramatic season, a point at home to promotion rivals Brighton earned Boro the return they desired with jubilant scenes at the Riverside.  The change of fortunes and success at the club has to go down to the influence and style brought in by the ex-Real Madrid man Karanka.

His charismatic passion and teachings from working with Jose Mourinho in Spain, made an impression immediately in the North East.  Fluid, one touch attacking football imbedded itself in the side as fans began to see action that hadn’t been seen so often since the days of Steve McClaren.  They had floated around mid-table and danced with relegation danger in spells between 2009-2013, but Karanka guided Boro to levels they used to expect and now can behold again with Premier League football.

This is all despite the fact it looked like he was on the verge of departing the club when their season was thrown into chaos with 10 games left.  A 1-0 defeat to relegation survivors Rotherham made the manager question his players, he then missed their 2-0 loss at crisis club Charlton.

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However, a rift between coach and players was quickly resolved with Karanka’s first game after resuming duties, was a 1-0 win over promotion foes Hull thanks to a late David Nugent header.  The character and response from the squad an in particular, the boss, was superb as they went unbeaten for those remaining 10 fixtures, earning second place and automatic promotion.  A number of goals in the latter stages became a trend of the team as it proved apparent, this time they weren’t giving up their Premier League dream without a fight.

Now on the biggest stage of English football, a loyal chairman willing to back him and a fan-base starving for good times back at their club, Karanka is leading them to a bright future.  Ex-Spain and Barcelona veteran Victor Valdes has already joined up, a signal of their intentions with such a high calibre keeper, his blip at Manchester United forgotten.  Talented winger Viktor Fischer has also arrived into the Riverside, from Ajax, with the Spaniard’s reputation, brand of football and the riches gained from the Premier League push helping in transfer dealings.

This was just the start as two new players on the verge of bolstering the Teesiders could take Middlesbrough from relegation threatened to mid-table contention.  Ex-Manchester City forward Alvaro Negredo has arrived ahead of a one-year loan from Valencia, whilst a deal of £8 million is close for Borussia Dortmund defender Neven Subotic. Antonio Barragan has also been confirmed on a 3-year contract, the Spanish full-back follows Negredo’s path from Valencia. It would be a sensational double swoop with the calibre of players coming into the club increasing man by man.

He may not have scored for City from January 2014 to when he left in the summer of 2015, but how Negredo started that 2013-14 campaign was a sign of a player suited to the Premier League and one who can do damage.  If Karanka can get him firing, he can keep them up single handedly.  With Christian Stuani top scoring for them last year with 11 in 40 games, they need someone more prolific to secure stable status in the top division.  They got success through goal contribution from across the team last season, but that may not be replicated on a platform much harder than the Championship.

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Subotic is experienced and a leader from Dortmund, a member of their title winning squad in 2011 and 2012.  It would be a major coup of a player with Champions League and World Cup experience commanding their back-line alongside academy graduate and England international Ben Gibson.  Gibson has come on leaps and bounds in the ranks of Middlesbrough and with Daniel Ayala, formed a formidable pair last season.

With Valdes or the impressive Dimi Konstantopoulos behind them, Grant Leadbitter in front controlling play and the possibility of Negredo leading the line, Boro look in good stead.

Karanka hasn’t been linked with any major job openings over the past few seasons but with what he’s done to transform Middlesbrough that may change. Bringing them back to the top division of English football and being able to bring in talent from across Europe, his reputation is growing year on year.  So, don’t be surprised to see the Spaniard move up the ladder sooner rather than later and perhaps even record some of the achievements similar to a mentor of his, ‘The Special One’.

Featured Image – All Rights Reserved by Dan Westwell.