'Dodged a bullet' - Fresh reaction given as Middlesbrough make Jesse Lingard decision | OneFootball

Middlesbrough rejected the chance to sign Jesse Lingard, a decision which was backed by fan pundit Liam.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Middlesbrough have been praised for their decision to avoid pursuing Jesse Lingard amid doubts over his ability to make an instant impact.

The Teesside outfit have enjoyed a brilliant season so far, although defeat to Coventry City last time out meant they dropped to second in the Championship table.

Nevertheless, Kim Hellberg’s side will firmly believe promotion to the Premier League is possible, and they have been playing some outstanding football in recent weeks.

Middlesbrough rejected the chance to sign Jesse Lingard

Boro backed Hellberg in the January window by strengthening the squad and retaining key players, so the squad is looking in good shape.

However, even outside the window, there is always the opportunity to make tweaks, but it has been reported that Boro turned down the chance to sign Lingard.

The former England international is a free agent after leaving FC Seoul, and he has been linked with a host of clubs in the UK, although it seems he is now set to join Brazilian side Remo.

Given his experience at the top level, as well as the fact that Lingard had impressed in South Korea, it could be argued that the 33-year-old could help Boro in their quest to win the Premier League.

Yet, when asked by FLW about the decision to reject Lingard, Middlesbrough fan pundit Liam insists it was the right call, as he stressed any new addition right now would need to hit the ground running.

“I think we made the right call, 100%. For this promotion push we need players who are ready and fit now, and I don’t think Lingard would be.

“He would also command quite high wages, and it’s been reported he is going to Brazil, which is an interesting move. Lingard has been playing in South Korea, so, at the age of 33, I don’t think it would’ve been a sensible move for Boro.

“There’s no doubt he had quality in the past, but since that West Ham spell he’s not done much in his career really. It would’ve been a bit of a random signing, as it’s not really a position we’re desperate to strengthen, especially after signing Leo Castledine, so I think we dodged a bullet.

“It would’ve been a signing that didn’t really come off. I don’t think he would’ve been ready physically or mentally for a promotion battle, so Boro made the right call.”

Middlesbrough have the squad to cope in promotion race

This would have been an interesting signing, as Lingard could have been an ideal fit for Hellberg’s style of play with his movement and ability to score goals running from deep.

But, as outlined above, there are obvious risks to this deal, and it’s not like Boro are in a position where they have to roll the dice and gamble.

The squad looks in good shape, with Boro bringing on David Strelec, Kaly Sene and Jeremy Sarmiento from the bench in their last game, so it’s not like they’re desperately short of options in the final third.

Furthermore, Hellberg won’t want to do anything to disrupt the dressing room, and whilst we aren’t suggesting that Lingard would cause problems, the reality is that he may not have played week in, week out for Boro, which isn’t ideal for him.

So, you can see why Middlesbrough steered clear of any deal, and unless injuries hit, they shouldn’t need to look at free agents as Hellberg’s group have shown they have enough quality to secure a top two finish come May.