While the Premier League’s big clubs continue to retool over the summer transfer window, Middlesbrough is not only looking to cement its place in England’s top flight but also compete.
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After recently adding veteran goalkeeper Victor Valdes, the Boro have acquired a defensive piece that will likely figure into the team’s backline this season. The club announced the signing of Valencia defender Antonio Barragan on Friday, as the outside back makes a return to the PL.
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“I am really pleased he has signed,” said head coach Aitor Karanka. “He is a player we know a lot about and he is a good addition to the squad. He is a good lad, and he has played a lot of games for Valencia.
“He knows this country as well because he was at Liverpool as a young player. He is a good signing for us.”
Barragan, 29, began his professional career at Liverpool, despite making just one first-team appearance during the 2005/06 campaign. The right back has spent the last five years at Valencia, making 110 appearances for the La Liga side and netting one goal in that span.
Middlesbrough is far from done this summer, though, as several more high-profile additions have been linked to the first-year PL club. Karanka and his side are reportedly closing in on securing moves with striker Alvaro Negredo and Borussia Dortmund defender Neven Subotic.
