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 have reportedly entered the race to sign Rotherham United forward Chiedozie Ogbene this month.
According to Voetbal Nieuws, Boro are considering a move for the 25-year-old, who has been the subject of bids from fellow Championship sides Millwall and Swansea City this month and has also attracted interest from Belgian side Club Brugge.
Michael Carrick's side currently sit fourth in the table and the 41-year-old is looking to strengthen for his side's promotion push, with a winger and a midfielder thought to be on his wish list.
We asked some of our FLW writers for their thoughts on a potential move for Ogbene to the Riverside Stadium.
James Reeves
This would be a great signing for Middlesbrough.
Ogbene has proved he is more than capable of playing in the Championship this season and six goals and two assists is an impressive return in a struggling Rotherham side.
Carrick left Isaiah Jones out of the squad for Saturday's 1-0 home win over Millwall for tactical reasons, suggesting after the game that he had fallen below the standards he expects of his players.
If Jones is to remain out-of-favour, it does leave Boro short in the wide areas and although Marcus Forss was deployed on the right to good effect when he scored the winner against the Lions, Carrick will perhaps want a more natural fit and Ogbene would be the perfect answer.
It would be a beneficial move for all parties, representing a good career progression for Ogbene and giving Boro a different attacking dimension for a potentially affordable fee.
Declan Harte
This could be a very strong move for Boro to make as they look to strengthen their promotion bid this January.
Ogbene can play centrally or on the right flank which is the kind of attacking versatility that could prove massively beneficial to Carrick’s side.
The Irishman has also impressed in the Championship in a struggling Rotherham United team, contributing six goals and two assists.
Given Ogbene could be available for a cut-rate price, this could prove to be a very shrewd move for Boro.
Marcus Ally
Chiedozie Ogbene would be an excellent signing for Middlesbrough this January, with the Irishman representing value in the market due to his contract expiring in the summer.
The versatile 25-year-old would likely work his way into becoming a first team regular under Michael Carrick, but would initially provide competition for places in wide roles.
Ogbene is ready for the next step up in his career, which should be to join a more upwardly mobile Championship club and Boro fit that bill.
Boro do not necessarily need to sign him, having a number of options in the positions that he can cover, but it would be good business with his price tag dropping and the positive work ethic he would bring to the group.