"A lot of things happened" - Emmanuel Latte Lath drops hint on Middlesbrough FC tensions after transfer exit | OneFootball

Boro’s record departure describes move to MLS as “really easy”

Former Middlesbrough striker Emmanuel Latte Lath has provided insight into his transfer to MLS outfit Atlanta United, and has revealed why he made the switch to the United States despite previous interest from Premier League clubs.

The Ivorian forward departed the Riverside Stadium in January for a club-record fee, having registered an impressive 29 goals across 67 appearances for Boro.

The £22.5 million transfer also secured his place as the most expensive signing in MLS history, far eclipsing the near £12.8 million ($16.2 million) fee FC Cincinnatti paid for Kevin Denkey earlier on in the transfer window.

Addressing the media at his official unveiling as an Atlanta player, Latte Lath admitted that he had little prior knowledge of the MLS, but expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity ahead and his desire to win trophies, although his new club only reached the Eastern Conference semi-finals last year in the play-offs.

“To be honest, I’ve watched nothing of MLS,” Latte Lath said - as per TeessideLive.

“But when they approached me and outlined their project, the decision was straight-forward. I’m 26 years old, and I want to win something.”

His reflections on his time at Middlesbrough hinted at underlying tensions though prior to his exit, in a transfer deal that took most of the January window to get over the line.

“Could I have won something with Middlesbrough? Yes, but it was a different situation," Latte Lath added.

"A lot of things happened there, and I’ll leave it at that. My focus now is on the future. I came here because I want to win with Atlanta, and I believe in the project they presented to me.

“They obviously spent a lot of money on me, but I don’t want to put pressure on myself.

"My priority is playing football, staying focused, and delivering strong performances in training and on matchdays.”

Middlesbrough have struggled in the wake of Emmanuel Latte Lath's exit

While the financial gain from Latte Lath’s departure was substantial, the sporting consequences for Middlesbrough have been severe.

The striker had been central to Boro’s attacking play, contributing 11 goals and three assists in 31 appearances this season, following a 18-goal campaign in 2023/24.

His Championship record of 27 goals in 59 appearances underscored his seamless adaptation to English football following his move from Swiss club St. Gallen.

The initial £17.6 million transfer fee - rising to £22.5 million with add-ons - now appears to be a shrewd piece of business for both parties, given his continued development.

However, Middlesbrough have struggled to replace his goal threat.

Morgan Whittaker, signed from Plymouth Argyle with some of the funds that were set to arrive from Latte Lath's departure, has yet to score since his arrival in the North East, and the same can be said for Sevilla loanee Kelechi Iheanacho.

His difficulties have been exacerbated by a broader creative downturn within the squad. Middlesbrough’s midfield has become increasingly predictable, while defensive frailties have cost them vital points.

Boro's poor run of form - just two wins in their last 12 matches - has seen them slip to 11th in the table, placing Michael Carrick under growing scrutiny.

Successive defeats to Bristol City and Watford have intensified concerns, with the team appearing disjointed in both attack and defence.

The downturn has severely dented their promotion ambitions, leading to mounting frustration among supporters.

Meanwhile, Latte Lath has made an immediate impact in MLS, scoring twice on his Atlanta United debut against CF Montréal.

As Middlesbrough’s