Middlesbrough have confirmed that striker Rudy Gestede will leave when his contract expires at the end of this month.
Rudy Gestede Departs Middlesbrough
Second Confirmed Departure
The 31-year-old is joining Daniel Ayala in leaving the Riverside Stadium this summer.
Both Ayala and Gestede had failed to agree short-term deals until the end of the season, and as a result, will not feature in Middlesbrough seven remaining games. According to Teeside Live, the former’s departure was expected.
However, there had been hope that Ayala’s team-mate may remain with the club for the final fixtures, following his start against Swansea City.
Disappointing Spell on Teeside
Arriving for a fee of £6 million, Gestede has failed to live up to expectations at Middlesbrough.
The Benin international made just 71 appearances during his four-and-a-half years in the North East. In that time, however, he scored just eight times, two of which came this season.
Gestede has suffered several injuries while at the club. However, his attitude and lack of goalscoring threat has meant that he has been released by the club.
His departure may also be down to his wages, something of which Middlesbrough may not have been able to afford. The club have undergone a transition in recent years, choosing not to make major marquee signings, instead opting to develop their academy talents.
Could Rudy Gestede Remaining In the Championship?
The now-free agent could prove a good option for several Championship clubs, should he rediscover the form he once had at Blackburn Rovers.
After failing to make much of an impact with Cardiff City, Gestede joined Blackburn in 2013. He impressed during a two-season spell with the Lancashire based club, scoring 35 goals in 73 appearances.
However, he has failed to rediscover that form ever since. As a result, it may be the case he is used as a squad player, should he remain in the Championship.
Main Photo
Embed from Getty Images
