Our fan panel shares their thoughts on Middlesbrough’s talks to recruit Danny Ings
In an unexpected move, Middlesbrough have conducted negotiations about signing Danny Ings on a free transfer this summer.
Ings, who turns 33 this month, is available on a free transfer after departing West Ham after his contract expired. Ings is said to have other Championship possibilities, although Boro have had excellent discussions with the player and his advisors about a potential move to the Riverside.
Many are surprised by the announcement, given Boro’s transfer policy favors younger recruits. However, Ings is viewed as a potentially excellent signing both on and off the pitch to assist Rob Edwards in his first season in command of the club. With Ings floundering in his two-and-a-half years at West Ham, the signing of the former England international has divided opinion.
We consulted with our Boro fan panel to get their thoughts on Boro potentially signing the experienced striker. This week’s Boro fan panel features YouTube expert Phil Spencer, Boropolis co-founder Chris Cassidy, and Twe12th Man member John Donovan.
John Donovan
The relationship to Danny Ings is intriguing, and will undoubtedly divide opinion. I can see why some supporters want him in the Boro assault, but it’s a no from me. Admittedly, he has a plethora of experience, particularly at Premier League level, and he may be what we need as a player to bring in when we are trying to maintain a lead or turn a game around.
Maybe I’m still carrying Kelechi Iheanacho’s grief and limited influence. But I believed as a club, we had moved on from signing elderly players toward the end of their careers with no resale value. I am confident that Danny Ings would have a much greater impact than Iheanacho, but that is not a signing I would pursue. If he does come, I pray he shoves my uncertainties down my throat.
Phil Spencer
I believe that signing Danny Ings would be a smart move at the proper price. Middlesbrough sorely needs a striker, but they also need critical experience, which the 32-year-old would provide. On the plus side, his goal scoring record is outstanding, and he would definitely contribute significantly both on and off the pitch.
I do, however, understand those who are concerned about his recent injury history, since we need someone who will be regularly accessible to us. That is where this transaction boils down to money.
A free move is ideal, but I expect Ings to seek high wages, putting him among the club’s top earners. That’s wonderful if he’s fit and ready to go, but if he’ll only be available for 10-15 games every season, we need to make an informed decision.
I trust our recruitment team to examine the options, and perhaps the best solution would be to bring him in while also signing another striker to cover us if injuries occur.
Chris Cassidy
The interest in Danny Ings has taken me completely by surprise. Before even considering his injury history or lack of playing time in recent years, I assumed the pay he would command would make it a complete non-starter. Nonetheless, the interest has been confirmed, which most likely indicates that his wage expectations are not completely unreasonable.
Given Ings’ lack of football experience in past seasons, the claim has sparked much scepticism. Many supporters, understandably dissatisfied with his performances, have equated the interest to Boro’s January signing of Kelechi Iheanacho. However, I am not entirely certain that the two are similar. Ings is more of what I’d call a natural striker.
Despite the loss of pace, I believe his finishing technique and positioning awareness would translate to most levels. His numbers have undoubtedly dropped since his big-money move to Aston Villa, but I believe he’d find it much simpler in the Championship.
The move does provide further indication that Boro’s recruitment strategy has changed slightly this summer, which I am not wholly opposed to. Ings is in his thirties, while Callum Brittain and Alfie Jones are in the golden years of their careers and have a wealth of expertise.
Boro were labeled naive pushovers on multiple occasions last season, so perhaps the club is attempting to counteract that with some more hardened pros.
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