Middlesbrough opinion: Should Boro keep Assombalonga amidst interest?

According to a report in Bristol Post, Bristol City, who were interested in signing Middlesbrough forward Britt Assombalonga in the January transfer window, are still looking at the player for a potential swoop in the summer.

The DR Congo international arrived at Teesside from Nottingham Forest for a fee around £15m in the summer of 2017 (h/t BBC). Since then, he has a decent impact at the club, but not as much as the price tag suggests.

The 26-year-old has been playing regularly for Tony Pulis’ men, but his scoring record is slightly off-radar. However, here’s why Boro should keep hold of him beyond this summer window:

Assombalonga could still make an impact at Teesside

Middlesbrough have lost six of their seven league games, which has dropped them down to 7th place in the table.

They have struggled for goals this season, scoring only 43 goals in 41 league games, which is not good enough for a team vying for Premier League promotion.

Tony Pulis’ men have been tight at the back but the lack of goals has haunted them in the latter stages of this campaign. Among those 43 goals, Assombalonga has scored 10 of them.

Hence, looking at that perspective, Boro have to keep one of their forward players who is actually adept in stretching defences and capable of scoring goals on a rather regular basis.

The 26-year-old’s raw pace to make runs in behind and physicality to hold the ball up on the counter is a positive thing for the team.

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Conclusion

Middlesbrough have spent big money on Britt Assombalonga and he has had a decent impact in the team. Hence, letting him go in the upcoming summer window could be a blunder.