This article is part of Football League World’s ‘The Verdict‘ series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Middlesbrough completed the loan signing of Aston Villa midfielder Aaron Ramsey on deadline day.

It will be Ramsey's second temporary stint in the Championship this season after spending the first half of the campaign on loan at Norwich City.

The 20-year-old impressed at Carrow Road, scoring three goals and registering three assists in 18 appearances before returning to Villa Park in early January due to injury.

Ramsey was the second player Boro signed from Villa in the window following the arrival of striker Cameron Archer.

We asked some of our FLW writers for their thoughts on a move to the Riverside Stadium.

James Reeves

This could be a really exciting signing for Middlesbrough.

Ramsey showed plenty of potential during his spell with Norwich and it would not be a surprise to see him thrive under the guidance of Michael Carrick, a midfielder who spent much of his career at the highest level during his playing days.

The development of Hayden Hackney under the 41-year-old's guidance shows Carrick's credentials of working with young players and it feels like there is no better manager for Ramsey to learn from.

There would be some question marks over how much game time Ramsey will receive on Teesside, but he gives Carrick a different option to the more defensive minded central midfielders already at his disposal, so he should get plenty of opportunities.

It will also provide Ramsey with valuable experience of being involved in what looks set to be a continued promotion push for Boro, so it is a move which will be beneficial for all parties.

 

 

Simmey Hannifin-Donaldson

I think this is potentially a good signing for Middlesbrough.

Although, that depends on how long Aaron Ramsey is set to be injured for, or what his current fitness status is.

Indeed, he returned to Aston Villa earlier this month from Norwich with reports suggesting he was to be sidelined for a significant period, so his signing for Boro certainly caught me by surprise.

If he can replicate his performances for Norwich this season at Middlesbrough it will have been a really good addition for Boro to make this month.

Again, though, it all does come back to when he will be fit and available to feature, with my presumption being the time he is set to be sidelined is not as bad as first feared.

Declan Harte

Ramsey’s time with Norwich was quite promising with the midfielder standing out as a creative attacking force in the side.

Since returning to Villa, Middlesbrough have risen up into promotion contenders to rival the Canaries.

Carrick will be hoping he can have a similar impact as part of his midfield options and he should see plenty of playing time at the Riverside.

This could be the signing that helps lift Middlesbrough back to the Premier League, capping off a solid winter window for the club.

Ramsey is still young and possesses a lot of potential, and having the opportunity to work alongside a distinguished midfielder such as Carrick could make this the ideal move at this stage of his career.