“A major red flag”: Plymouth Argyle transfer target warned by Middlesbrough

This post is a part of the “Terrace Talk” series from Football League World, whereby our FLW Fan Pundits provide their personal thoughts on the newest breaking news, teams, players, managers, possible signings, and more.

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In contrast to the previous season, when they finished in the Championship’s play-off spots thanks to a good run of play, Middlesbrough has found it difficult to be consistent this year.

Although Boro was eliminated by Chelsea in the EFL Cup semi-finals, Michael Carrick has not stopped impressing as a head coach. However, the Teesiders have not improved in the league.

Although Boro just defeated the league-leading Leicester City, a loss at home to Plymouth Argyle left them in 13th place in the standings. This could have signalled a turning point for the team.

And a few days following that setback at Riverside Stadium against the Pilgrims, Boro has been linked to a move for their defender Brendan Galloway, whose contract with the former Everton player expires this summer.

Links with Brendan Galloway are concerning for Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough supporter Dana Malt of FLW speculates that rumours tying Galloway to Teesside may be the product of his agency, since the 27-year-old is attempting to secure a new deal at Home Park after eventually regaining fitness.

It has been said that Galloway is the kind of defender who fits Carrick’s style of play, which is a concern if he signs. However, his history of injuries is concerning.

“It is an interesting link, the Galloway one, but it does strike me as a public play from his agent to try and prompt Plymouth into giving him an improved contract, given that he is a free agent in the summer,” Dana stated to FLW.

“I take this specific link with a great grain of salt, but I believe there is value to be obtained in the free agency market.

If there is any validity to it, he is a flexible player who can play both left and centre back, which is something I believe is crucial when considering a prospective Michael Carrick defensive partner.

“However, his injury issues and his injury history would be a major red flag, especially given how problematic injuries have been for us this season.”

Middlesbrough supporter Dana Malt of FLW speculates that rumours tying Galloway to Teesside may be the product of his agency, since the 27-year-old is attempting to secure a new deal at Home Park after eventually regaining fitness.

It has been said that Galloway is the kind of defender who fits Carrick’s style of play, which is a concern if he signs. However, his history of injuries is concerning.

“It is an interesting link, the Galloway one, but it does strike me as a public play from his agent to try and prompt Plymouth into giving him an improved contract, given that he is a free agent in the summer,” Dana stated to FLW.

“I take this specific link with a great grain of salt, but I believe there is value to be obtained in the free agency market.

If there is any validity to it, he is a flexible player who can play both left and centre back, which is something I believe is crucial when considering a prospective Michael Carrick defensive partner.

“However, his injury issues and his injury history would be a major red flag, especially given how problematic injuries have been for us this season.”

Galloway’s injury history makes move a risk

Galloway has experienced such severe injury problems since joining Plymouth in 2021 that a move to Middlesbrough, even on a free transfer, would be extremely risky.

Since relocating to Home Park, Galloway has missed more than 50 games because of injuries, including hamstring, knee, and hand problems.

In just three seasons with the Pilgrims, the left-back has participated in just 60 games as the team’s medical staff has tried to find a solution to prevent the Zimbabwe international from suffering from so many ailments.

As Dana notes, Boro’s interest might just be a ruse by Galloway’s representative to generate buzz and persuade Plymouth to extend an offer to him.

Although he has been playing much more regularly lately and may have finally overcome his injury curse, it is unlikely that they want to take any further chances regarding his fitness by giving him a new contract in the summer at this time given how little he has played for the team.

Due to several losses to important players like Tommy Smith and Darragh Lenihan, Boro could use the extra bodies in defence. Galloway would also provide more balance, as the team lacks left-footed centre backs save Matt Clarke.

But adding another player to the treatment table won’t help the team in the long run, which is why Boro’s link to Galloway doesn’t seem credible at all at this point. Galloway would undoubtedly need to establish himself for a little while more before Carrick and company would be interested.

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