Five reasons why Jordan Rhodes is the signing Middlesbrough needed to make

Middlesbrough look like they are set to capture Jordan Rhodes after the Blackburn Rovers striker pulled a spectacular u-turn on deadline day.
Blackburn Rovers' Jordan Rhodes  is on his way to Middlesbrough.Blackburn Rovers' Jordan Rhodes  is on his way to Middlesbrough.
Blackburn Rovers' Jordan Rhodes is on his way to Middlesbrough.

The move collapsed on Sunday over personal terms, but Rhodes later accepted the offer originally given to him by Steve Gibson.

Here are five reasons why we feel the transfer will walk out for Boro:

1. He has a clinical eye for goal

Has Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka got the striker he needs to fire his team to the Premier League?Has Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka got the striker he needs to fire his team to the Premier League?
Has Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka got the striker he needs to fire his team to the Premier League?
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With the exception of Cristhian Stuani, Middlesbrough are in need of a proven out-and-out goalscorer if they are to maintain their automatic promotion spot, and Jordan Rhodes fits that bill perfectly. The Scotland international hit 82 goals in 159 appearances for Blackburn, and found the back of the net a mere 73 times for Huddersfield Town during his three year spell at the John Smith’s Stadium. Rhodes’ arrival at the Riverside will no doubt spur added excitement among the Middlesbrough faithful as they push for their place in the top flight of English football, and the 25-year-old’s prowess in front of goal is just what the doctor ordered.

2. He’s cheaper than Ross McCormack

After Middlesbrough’s initial deal with Rhodes fell through on Sunday, chairman Steve Gibson was reported to be turning his attention to Fulham wantaway Ross McCormack, with the London club looking for a fee around the £12m mark with a loan of Kike in return. The former Leeds United man handed in a transfer request at Craven Cottage last week which Fulham promptly rejected, but it seems Rhodes’ international teammate is still lusting for a move away from the club despite talks of a new contract. Middlesbrough offered Blackburn a reported £9million for Rhodes first time round, and with McCormack still debating his future, the Rovers man seems the most sensible signing for Aitor Karanka’s team.

3. He’s the ultimate professional

Has Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka got the striker he needs to fire his team to the Premier League?Has Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka got the striker he needs to fire his team to the Premier League?
Has Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka got the striker he needs to fire his team to the Premier League?

Rhodes made it clear in the summer that he wanted out of Ewood Park, leading Middlesbrough to make their first approach for the talisman. Rhodes, who celebrates his 26th birthday on Friday, publicly stated his desire to move up to Teeside, but when the deal failed to materialise, Rhodes put his head down and got the job done on the pitch for Blackburn, scoring seven goals in his next five outings. This no-nonsense approach to the game is what Middlesbrough need to see from their front man as they fight for promotion to the Premier League, with Rhodes bringing the passion and determination any title contenders need in their repertoire.

4. He deserves his shot in the Premier League

With 83 Championship goals to his name since August 2012, Rhodes’ record trumps those of the likes of Troy Deeney and Charlie Austin, two players who have made their mark on the Premier League. It beggars belief that with such impressive records in the bag, Rhodes hasn’t had his chance to shine among the creme de la creme of English football, but with Middlesbrough grasping onto second place in the Championship with dreams of automatic promotion, this could be Rhodes’ chance to show his full potential.

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5. He has the class to pull Middlesborough up to where they need to be

Boro fans compared the excitement of Rhodes putting pen to paper at the Riverside to that of a kid on Christmas morning, encouraged by the quality he will inevitably bring to the North East. With his proven talent in front of goal and his ability to adapt seamlessly into any squad, Rhodes will provide the confidence the Middlesbrough faithful need after a spate of narrow defeats since the new year. His new team have failed to get a goal on the scoreboard for two consecutive matches, scoring just two in their last four fixtures, but with Rhodes’ lethal right foot, normality will surely be restored in the games to come.