Middlesbrough manager Kim Hellberg has refused to rule out signing defender Viktor Eriksson, who he previously managed at Hammarby.
The Swede has had a terrific start to life at Boro since being appointed as Rob Edwards’ replacement, having followed up a home win over Derby County with a fantastic 4-1 triumph over Hull City, with the visitors scoring all four goals in a dominant first half effort.
That success has maintained Boro in second place for automatic promotion behind league leaders Coventry City, and despite heavy opposition from Ipswich Town and even Millwall in recent weeks, everyone associated with the club believes a return to the Premier League is achievable this season.
Kim Hellberg talks probable Middlesbrough transfer deal for Hammarby’s Viktor Eriksson.
Of course, the January window is always important, and despite a promising start under Hellberg, Middlesbrough clearly needs reinforcements.
The Teesside club is particularly low on defence at the moment, with Matt Targett forced to play in an unfamiliar centre-back role on Friday night due to an injury.
So, it’s not surprising that Boro will address that in the New Year, and Hellberg did little to quell speculation that he could return to Hammarby to sign Eriksson, who was a vital figure for the boss in the Allsvenskan.
That comes after he was queried about the possibility of signing the 25-year-old by Swedish media outlet FotbollDirekt, and while he stated that sporting director Kieran Scott will head the recruitment push, he did praise Eriksson’s abilities.
“Of course, I’ll be involved, but Kieran will be in charge of the signings, along with the chairman. Victor Eriksson’s name could have been a fantastic choice, but let’s see… Victor is a skilled player.
Middlesbrough will be an enticing alternative for players during the January window.
It’s natural for Hellberg to be connected with Hammarby players, given he knows them well, and there’s little doubt that some of them might help the Boro XI.
However, the most crucial aspect of Hellberg’s comment is that Scott will be ‘in command’ of the transfers, so while Hellberg can recommend players, the club will not pursue someone unless they believe they are a suitable match.
That is not to say Eriksson will not join Middlesbrough next month, but the club will be evaluating names from all over the world, and the opportunity to play at the Riverside Stadium will be appealing given Middlesbrough’s current situation.
Boro have the incentive of potentially offering Premier League football next August, and with their promotion ambitions not yet waning as we approach the New Year, one can only imagine Riverside Stadium officials will bring that up in negotiations with targets in the coming weeks.
So, it’s an exciting moment to be a Boro supporter, and if they can sign a few more players in January, including a centre-back or two, there’s no reason they can’t win promotion this season.
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