Middlesbrough Gera-ing up?

Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate is set to reignite his attempt to sign Zoltan Gera from West Bromich Albion. Southgate first attempted to sign the Hungarian international midfielder during the January transfer window but failed because a fee could not be agreed.

Gera has pledged not to force a move ala Jason Koumas from The Hawthorns but insists his future lies in the Premiership.

“I’ve told all concerned parties that I want to leave but I’ve never thought of using any tricks to persuade my bosses to let me go.” -Gera

Gera first asked to leave Albion when they were relegated but was forced to stay on as part of a rebound push. It has not happened and its 2 seasons on, Albion should let him go if he wishes. It’s now up to Southgate to make a reasonable offer. I’ve always felt Gera was a very talented player and would be a solid signing. He scores goals from midfield, something Boro will need after losing Mark Vidula.

First on Southgate’s list is right winger Gokdeniz Karadeniz of Trabzonspor but the move has stalled over the club’s distinctly different valuations. While Gera is not a first choice, I think he’d be a better option because he has experience in England.

Zoltan Gera

One bright spot in the fledgling English Premiership survival campaign of West Bromwich Albion this season has been Hungarian international captain Zoltan Gera.

Big, aggressive and creative with the ball, Gera has helped Albion a great deal. Good players on struggling teams often don’t get attention, so Gera came to mind as Tottenham have knocked them out of an FA Cup replay match today.

Zoltan Gera came to West Bromwich Albion via Hungarian outfit Ferencvaros where he'd won a league cup before leaving for the UK.

They paid over two million Euros. quite a lot, but he was being sought by a number of teams in different countries, and all said, is looking a solid investment.

His play has been enthusiastic and at age 25 he has his prime years approaching and he seems eager to prove himself in England as a playmaker. Internationally, with over 30 caps, he plays on a team with heritage as 1938 and 1954 World Cup finalists, 1962 and 1966 quarterfinalists. Since then Hungary has disappeared off the map.