Neil Warnock’s ‘magic touch’ persuaded Chuba Akpom to sign for Middlesbrough

The former Hull City loanee, who joined Boro for a seven-figure fee at the end of last week from Greek outfit POAK, is eyeing a debut in Saturday’s Championship encounter at QPR.

Boro chief Warnock – currently self-isolating after being diagnosed with Covid-19 last week – stated his delight at landing the Londoner, having insisted that he was his number one target.

Akpom, 24, who first came to prominence coming through the age groups at Arsenal, admits that Warnock’s ‘magic touch’ in phone conversations with him quickly won him over.

On the impact of Warnock, Akpom, part of a POAK side who recently knocked Besiktas and Benfica out of the Champions League, said: “Everyone knows about the gaffer, he is a top personality and character. He is not just a manager, he is a mentor. He has got that magic touch, I am hoping he can have that with me.

“He is amazing. Everyone knows the gaffer’s record and his success with promotions. He has done it in the past and wants to do it again.

“The first thing he said to me is he thinks he can make me a Premier League player. When a manager says that, it is a no brainer.

“I did not need much convincing.

“The gaffer called me. That shows how much he wants me to be here.

“As soon as I had that conversation I spoke to my agent and said I am ready to come back.

“It is a massive club, a manager who wants to get the best out of me – what more do you want?”

Akpom has been brought in to add a much-needed fresh goalscoring option at a club who were the second-tier’s lowest scorers last season after scoring just 48 goals in 46 league matches.

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James Mitchinson