Middlesbrough captain Ben Gibson might stay back at the club despite getting offers from Premier League bigwigs Chelsea and Liverpool.
According to a report by The Mirror, Middlesbrough is likely to retain their captain Ben Gibson in order to spearhead a promotion campaign after getting relegated from the Premier League. Gibson is undoubtedly one of the club’s prized assets, and Boro are looking at ways to keep hold of him.
Although Steve Agnew has refuted claims of Ben Gibson seeking a move, there have been reports of clubs like Manchester City and Arsenal wanting to sign the defender.
Among City and Arsenal, the Gunners are the ones who are desperately in need of a quality defender. However, they will have to look elsewhere since Gibson will reportedly reject all these offers.
While Middlesbrough are having a tough time, that does not take away from the fact that Gibson has actually put up incredible performances, and that several big clubs want to sign him for the same reason.
He has been a good captain for his team, providing solid and reliable performances at the back and he has also achieved another feather in his cap this season – a call up to the England squad. Gibson has managed to establish himself as one of England’s best defenders with a lot of potential. All this after just one season in top flight.
The 24-year-old has had the opportunity to excel in Middlesbrough’s generally cautious playing style, and his 221 clearances have placed him in the top ten list of the Premier League.
He might’ve gotten a call from Gareth Southgate’s team only recently, but he has been a regular fixture England’s youth squad. He is truly one of England’s best defenders at the moment, but will it be ideal for him to stay back at a relegated club?
The need to sign quality defenders will always be a prerequisite for any team in order to succeed. Both Chelsea and Liverpool have had good seasons this time.
However, with Champions League commitments coming up next season, Klopp and Conte will look to sign on more options for all aspects of the team, in order to facilitate a player rotation system. There will be loads of injuries, and both teams will have to be prepared.
While Klopp needs to strengthen his side’s defence following the inconsistencies of his defensive players this season, Conte is eager to add to his options, with little to choose from beyond his first choice back-three.
That is where Gibson can come in, and excel further. Now, it remains to be seen if Gibson will stay true to his club and work on a promotional campaign to bring them out of misery, or if he will accept the big clubs’ offers and choose to work on his best interest.
