Key reason emerges behind Middlesbrough’s decision to sanction Millwall transfer agreement | OneFootball

Middlesbrough were confident enough to sanction a permanent exit for Duncan Watmore to Millwall because replacement Aaron Ramsey made a return to training on the morning of deadline day, according to Teesside Live.

The 28-year-old found his game time limited during the latter stages of his time under Michael Carrick at the Riverside, even though he had recorded a respectable five goals in 21 league appearances this term before his departure.

With players remaining ahead of him in the pecking order and Matt Crooks plying his trade up top at times, that looked set to limit the ex-Sunderland man’s pitch minutes between for the remainder of the campaign.

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However, Boro couldn’t afford to leave themselves short of options in the final third, especially with the Teesside outfit needing all the depth they can get as they continue to push for promotion.

Also deciding to sanction a loan exit for Matthew Hoppe on deadline day, Carrick would have been extremely disappointed if Watmore departed too without a replacement coming in.

But with Ramsey returning to training at Aston Villa following his return from an injury setback, that reportedly gave them the confidence to sell Watmore to the Lions, with the latter leaving for an undisclosed fee.

The Verdict:

It’s a shame Watmore didn’t stay for longer because he has enjoyed a reasonably successful spell at Boro and didn’t seem to cause any major off-field problems during his time at the Riverside.

Fewer people deserve promotion more than he does after managing to turn his career around at the Riverside, establishing himself as a real force at this level again and even scoring at a respectable rate this season despite his limited time on the pitch.

To be fair, he did make 21 Championship appearances this term as mentioned and that should mean that he can start straight away for Gary Rowett’s side, something that can only be good for the Lions who will be keen to see him make an instant impact.

This could be a good move for the player who will want to be starting every week, although he will need to maximise his performance levels if he wants to secure and retain a starting spot at The Den.

And for Boro, this is probably the right time to cash in on him considering his contract was running out in the summer. You just hope they don’t regret selling him because his experience could have been valuable for the Teesside club if he had stayed put.