Middlesbrough Football Club has made its first signing of the summer transfer window, acquiring top-flight forward Alex Gilbert. The 21-year-old has agreed to a four-year contract with Boro after declining a new deal from his previous club, Brentford. Although Gilbert joined Middlesbrough as a free agent, Brentford will be entitled to a compensation payment of approximately £1 million due to his age.
Gilbert, who is a Republic of Ireland youth international, played for Brentford’s B team last season and was the team’s top scorer as they secured the Premier League Cup. With the ability to play in various positions across the frontline, Gilbert emerged as a standout player, contributing 16 goals and eight assists. His impressive performances earned him the title of Brentford B’s Player of the Year.
Several competitors were vying for Gilbert’s signature, but Middlesbrough managed to secure his services. He chose to seek a new challenge that would grant him regular playing time in the first team. Michael Carrick’s Boro squad successfully convinced him that a move to Teesside would provide the desired opportunity.
Following a medical examination and finalizing the personal terms of the contract, Gilbert has already joined his new teammates at Middlesbrough’s warm-weather training camp in the Algarve. Meanwhile, the club is closing in on two additional transfer deals. Centre-half Raj van den Berg is set to join from Dutch club PEC Zwolle, and winger Sammy Silvera is on the verge of agreeing to a move from Australian side Central Coast Mariners.
Middlesbrough’s acquisition of Alex Gilbert marks the beginning of their summer transfer activity, with the club aiming to strengthen their squad ahead of the upcoming season. Gilbert’s arrival injects fresh talent into the team and provides him with the opportunity to make his mark in the top flight of English football. Through strategic recruitment, Middlesbrough looks poised to build a competitive squad capable of achieving their goals in the upcoming campaign.
